PDP reaffirms national secretary Senator Anyanwu, resolving internal disputes at 100th NEC meeting and postponing national convention to July 23, 2025
PDP reaffirms national secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, putting an end to weeks of internal leadership disputes and uncertainty within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Also read: PDP Secretariat Barricaded, Bode George Condemns Stifling of Internal Democracy
The decision was reached on Tuesday during the party’s landmark 100th National Executive Committee meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting, described as focused and strategic, had only one item on the agenda: reviewing the outcome of the party’s recent engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the status of the National Secretary.
Speaking after the meeting, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, confirmed that the NEC reached a unanimous resolution that Senator Anyanwu would remain in office as the party’s National Secretary.
“We all combined in one effort. We were all together, and we all agreed that Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary,” Damagum stated.
He described the meeting as a display of unity and organisational discipline, countering fears that recent internal tensions might have fractured the party beyond repair.
“To our detractors who thought this meeting would be incongruous and mark the end of the party, the beauty of the PDP is that we know how to solve our problems. We are free and united,” he said.
Damagum further announced that the PDP’s national convention, originally expected soon, has been postponed to the next NEC meeting, now set for July 23, 2025.
He reassured party members and supporters that the rescheduled convention would strictly adhere to INEC guidelines, with joint notices signed by him and Senator Anyanwu to meet all regulatory requirements.
Party insiders say the reaffirmation of Senator Anyanwu’s position has restored confidence among key stakeholders and quelled speculation of further disruptions within the party’s national hierarchy.
The NEC meeting drew full attendance from governors, party stalwarts, and former high-ranking officials, signalling renewed institutional strength.
Present were Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Also in attendance were notable lawmakers such as Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West and Senator Abba Moro of Benue South.
Former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, former Minister Professor Jerry Gana, and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, also attended the session.
Other prominent party figures included Labaran Maku, Ude Okoye, Eddy Olafeso, Chief Ali Odefa, Senator Ben Ndi Obi, Adolphus Wabara, and Chief Bode George.
The meeting appeared to end the wave of contradictory press statements and internal dissent that had dogged the party’s recent public image.
“This decision marks a turning point,” said a senior party source who requested anonymity. “We’re putting the infighting behind us and focusing on rebuilding the PDP ahead of upcoming elections.”
Supporters of Senator Anyanwu expressed satisfaction with the outcome, hailing it as a validation of due process and internal democracy.
Observers believe that the party’s show of unity, demonstrated by the high-profile attendance and consensus on the secretary’s position, may help strengthen its standing as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political climate.
Senator Anyanwu himself did not make any public statement immediately after the meeting, but party officials suggested that he is expected to lead preparations for the July 23 convention with renewed authority and clarity of mandate.
Also read: PDP Aide Resigns From Top Media Role
With a major crisis resolved, the PDP now faces the challenge of consolidating its ranks and preparing for electoral battles ahead — a task that will require continued unity and strategic coordination.
