PDP Crisis Deepens As NWC Rejects Acting Chairman’s Move To Reinstate National Secretary.
The ongoing internal strife within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has intensified, with 11 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) publicly opposing the reinstatement of the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The controversy erupted following a press briefing by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, where he announced Anyanwu’s return to the position.
Damagum described the decision as necessary but challenging, aiming to restore stability within the party. However, the move has sparked fierce resistance from key NWC members, who argue that the Acting National Chairman lacks the authority to reinstate Anyanwu or alter decisions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a strongly worded statement signed by 11 NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo, National Treasurer Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, and National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, among others, the group condemned Damagum’s actions. They accused him of attempting to undermine the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which had scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, 30 June 2025, and deferred all matters concerning the National Secretary’s office to that meeting.
The NWC’s statement read: “The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation as no Organ of the Party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017). The NEC is the highest decision-making Organ of the Party, second only to the National Convention.”
The dissenting NWC members emphasised that the NEC’s resolution to hold its 100th meeting on 30 June remains binding on all party organs, officers, chapters, and members. They further clarified that no individual or group can unilaterally alter or veto NEC decisions, reinforcing the party’s constitutional framework.
The statement also reaffirmed that the 100th NEC meeting has not been rescheduled, directly challenging Damagum’s reported attempt to overturn the earlier resolution. The signatories, including prominent figures like National Woman Leader Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm and National Vice Chairman (South East) High Chief Ali Odefa, underscored their commitment to upholding the PDP’s constitutional integrity.
This latest development highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP, raising concerns about its unity and preparedness as Nigeria’s leading opposition party. The outcome of the upcoming NEC meeting is now eagerly anticipated, as it is expected to address the contentious issue of the National Secretary’s position and potentially chart a path towards resolving the party’s internal conflicts.