Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have come together to settle a major internal dispute and prepare for the 2027 general elections. After months of tension and division, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
This decision came during the 100th NEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum told reporters that Anyanwu’s return was approved by all stakeholders. However, the reinstatement came with strict conditions.
Damagum said, “Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary. We also agreed to discuss the party’s national convention in the next NEC meeting on July 23.”
Conditions for Peace
A reliable source told The PUNCH that Anyanwu agreed to drop all court cases related to his position and promised not to harass any party staff or interfere with preparations for the August convention.
“The meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge was intense. But everyone agreed that unity was more important. INEC’s stance made it clear that not recognizing Anyanwu could harm the party,” the source said.
Division Within the Party
Before the NEC meeting, the PDP was deeply divided. One group, supported by governors like Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), rejected Anyanwu’s return. Another faction, backed by former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and Damagum, supported him.
Each side held separate meetings at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, causing confusion. Police later cordoned off the venue, forcing the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) to move its meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre.
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, BoT Secretary, criticized the blockade, calling it political harassment.
“This kind of interference is unacceptable. It undermines our democracy and the right of opposition parties to function,” he said.
BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara also condemned the incident.
“This is a provocation. But we won’t let it distract us from rebuilding the PDP,” he told journalists.
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Party Leaders Call for Unity
At the NEC meeting, Damagum called on party members to stop attacking the PDP in the media.
“We all have a responsibility to protect this party. Let’s stop the demarketing,” he said.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the crisis was caused by enemies outside the party.
“This is a miracle of the PDP. We are united, and all the press releases and disagreements have stopped,” he said.
He added, “What is happening here today will shock many people. We’re working together to ensure the PDP’s success.”
South East Yet to Decide
However, the PDP’s Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, said the South East region had not fully accepted the NEC decision.
“We haven’t agreed yet. We’ll meet and decide whether to accept the NEC’s position or not,” he said.
Attempts to reach Senator Anyanwu for comments were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
Next Steps
The PDP will reconvene on July 23 for its 101st NEC meeting, where more decisions about the August convention and the party’s 2027 election strategy will be finalized.
Despite recent tensions, PDP leaders now say they are more united than ever.
As Damagum put it, “The beauty of our party is that we always solve our problems ourselves. And today, we have shown that again.”