PDP Crisis Deepens As Pro-Wike Faction Reaffirms Anyanwu As National Secretary.
The ongoing leadership crisis within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with a faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike reaffirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s substantive National Secretary. The announcement, made in a communiqué following a closed-door meeting of PDP stakeholders in Abuja on 9 June 2025, underscores deep divisions within the party as it grapples with internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting, attended by prominent figures including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), was convened to address the party’s protracted crisis. Wike, reading the communiqué, cited a Supreme Court judgement and the PDP constitution to affirm Anyanwu’s position, declaring that only he can issue valid notices for key party meetings, such as the National Convention and National Executive Committee (NEC). “All notices not issued by him, including correspondences to INEC, are null and void,” Wike stated, warning that the party risks “self-annihilation” without adherence to its constitution.
The reaffirmation comes amid a fierce contest over the National Secretary role, with Sunday Ude-Okoye, a former PDP National Youth Leader, also laying claim to the position. The dispute, which has reached Nigeria’s Supreme Court, stems from Anyanwu’s temporary leave to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, during which Ude-Okoye was nominated as a replacement by the PDP’s South-East Zonal Caucus. However, a Supreme Court ruling in March 2025 declared Anyanwu the authentic National Secretary, nullifying his earlier removal.
Wike, a PDP member serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration, accused certain party leaders of fueling the crisis through “selfish and divisive actions.” He also revealed that the stakeholders resolved to zone the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, citing fairness and federal character principles following eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The pro-Wike faction’s stance has drawn criticism, with opponents alleging that Wike is undermining the PDP to benefit the APC. Posts on X reflect public frustration, with some users accusing Wike of orchestrating the crisis to weaken the opposition. Others, however, support Anyanwu’s reinstatement, viewing it as a step towards restoring party discipline.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) faces mounting pressure to resolve the conflict, with calls for unity growing louder. The stakeholders urged support for the National Reconciliation Committee, led by Senator Bukola Saraki, to stabilise the party. As the PDP navigates this turbulent period, its ability to present a united front will be crucial to its prospects in 2027.