The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing one of its most severe internal crises since losing power in 2015, marked by a bitter dispute between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. The disagreement centers on the timing of the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Makinde’s faction, which includes several governors and 11 members of the National Working Committee (NWC), insists that the NEC meeting should hold as scheduled on June 30. This group also opposes the return of Anyanwu to the National Secretary position.
On the other hand, Wike’s supporters, including Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Kefas Agbu, along with acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and other top party officials, are pushing for the postponement of the NEC meeting and the reinstatement of Anyanwu.
This conflict escalated following a meeting between Damagum-led party officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Damagum announced at a press briefing that Anyanwu had been reinstated and that the NEC meeting was postponed. This move, however, was rejected by 11 NWC members who reaffirmed their commitment to the June 30 NEC meeting.
The PDP has long been plagued by leadership disputes, defections, and unresolved congress matters. To address these issues, Setonji Koshoedo was appointed acting National Secretary, but a fact-finding committee found that INEC still recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary.
The 99th NEC meeting had set June 30 for the 100th NEC meeting and Damagum had notified INEC accordingly. However, INEC rejected the notification due to procedural irregularities, requiring joint signatures from both the National Chairman and National Secretary.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that INEC’s role is limited to acknowledging party notifications and does not extend to controlling internal party affairs. Damagum later distanced the party from Ologunagba’s remarks.
Damagum, supported by key party leaders, announced that an expanded National Caucus meeting would replace the NEC meeting on June 30. He stressed that Anyanwu would resume as National Secretary, calling the decision difficult but necessary to ensure party survival ahead of important elections.
National Organising Secretary Umar Bature emphasized that Anyanwu’s return complies with a Supreme Court ruling. Six national officers welcomed the reinstatement, describing it as a victory for the PDP and calling for unity.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, aligned with Wike, criticized Damagum’s directive for Anyanwu to resume, calling the move unauthorized and the party’s approach to INEC “ignorant.”
The 11 NWC members countered Damagum’s announcements, insisting that the NEC meeting would proceed as planned and that no individual or group can override NEC resolutions under the PDP constitution.
Party elder Chief Bode George dismissed claims that Anyanwu’s reinstatement indicated Wike’s control over the party, urging reconciliation and emphasizing the NEC’s authority. Former Rivers State Assembly leader Dr. Chidi Lloyd praised the NWC’s decision as a democratic victory and called for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP’s internal divisions remain a significant challenge as the party prepares for upcoming electoral contests.