The internal crisis plaguing Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took a dramatic turn yesterday as divisions within its highest decision-making body, the National Working Committee (NWC), widened following a controversial move by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to reinstate the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Multiple credible sources within the party confirmed that several key members of the NWC outrightly rejected Damagum’s unilateral decision, describing it as procedurally flawed, legally questionable, and detrimental to party unity.
According to insiders, the decision to bring back Senator Anyanwu, who has been embroiled in a protracted leadership and legal tussle within the party, was made without a formal resolution or consensus of the committee.
Senator Anyanwu, who also served as the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Imo State, had stepped aside amidst legal controversies and internal dissent, especially following allegations that he was using his position as National Secretary to influence party structures for personal political advantage.
His reinstatement has now rekindled old tensions and raised fresh questions about transparency, discipline, and due process in the party’s leadership.
Several NWC members, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment at the development. One source said:
“This is not just about Anyanwu. It’s about due process, credibility, and respect for the collective leadership of the party.
The Acting National Chairman did not consult widely before taking this action, and many of us were not even informed until the decision had been made public.”
Another senior member described the move as an act of impunity, warning that if not reversed, it could lead to deeper factionalisation of the party at both national and zonal levels.
> “The NWC is not a one-man show. This kind of decision should be made after thorough deliberation, especially given the sensitive nature of the National Secretary’s office and the controversies surrounding Senator Anyanwu,” the member stated.
Meanwhile, loyalists of Senator Anyanwu have hailed the decision, describing it as a vindication of his leadership and commitment to the party.
They argue that he remains the duly elected National Secretary, and that any attempt to sideline him violates the party’s constitution and democratic norms.
This latest development comes at a time when the PDP is still grappling with the aftermath of its 2023 general election performance and ongoing efforts to rebuild its structures ahead of the 2027 polls. Analysts say the crisis could further erode the party’s cohesion and public confidence if not addressed swiftly and transparently.
Political observers are closely watching how the PDP resolves this fresh internal wrangle, as it could have far-reaching implications for its electoral fortunes in the South-East and beyond.
The party leadership is now under increasing pressure to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the issue and clarify the legitimacy of Senator Anyanwu’s return.
As of press time, Ambassador Damagum has yet to issue a detailed public statement defending his decision.
However, party insiders say that behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing to avoid a full-blown leadership split that could destabilize the party’s national secretariat and alienate key stakeholders.
The PDP’s founding principles of unity, inclusion, and internal democracy are once again being put to the test, as party members, supporters, and the Nigerian public await the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.