Breaking: PDP Leadership Crisis Worsens as Senator Anyanwu Signs Anambra Governorship Nomination Amid Dispute
PDP Crisis: Senator Anyanwu Signs Anambra 2025 Governorship Nomination Despite Ongoing Leadership Dispute
The internal power struggle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a boiling point as Senator Samuel Anyanwu—whose status as National Secretary remains highly contested—signed and submitted the PDP's nomination form for the Anambra State governorship election 2025.
The nomination form, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirms Jude Ezenwafor as the party’s candidate for the November 8 election, with Hon. Okeke Francis Chukwudi as running mate. Anyanwu’s signature appears on the documents, alongside that of PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Confusion Over PDP National Secretary Role
The latest development follows a Supreme Court ruling that overturned an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal, which had upheld Anyanwu’s removal. While the apex court ruled the matter was a party internal affair, it left the issue open to interpretation.
Senator Anyanwu and his faction claim the ruling reinstates him as PDP National Secretary. However, the PDP leadership, including the Governors’ Forum and National Working Committee (NWC), argue that the judgment only reinforces the party’s right to manage its affairs—without affirming Anyanwu’s role.
PDP Governors’ Forum Rejects Anyanwu, Appoints Acting Secretary
In response to the escalating confusion, the PDP Governors’ Forum issued a communique rejecting both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye—who was earlier nominated to replace him. To fill the vacuum, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo was appointed as Acting National Secretary pending a final resolution.
According to the forum, this decision aims to preserve the party’s constitutional integrity and avoid further fragmentation ahead of the 2025 election cycle.
Factional Clashes and Security Concerns
The crisis has taken a violent turn. A recent PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting intended to broker peace ended in chaos when thugs stormed the venue, targeting Ude-Okoye. The situation escalated until law enforcement intervened.
Despite the unrest, Senator Anyanwu stormed the party headquarters in Abuja, declaring his return to office. He was backed by Chief Dan Orbih, a PDP South South leader and close ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who said, “The Supreme Court has affirmed you as the authentic National Secretary.”
PDP Calls Emergency NEC Meeting and Sets National Convention Date
In an effort to restore order, the PDP Governors’ Forum has scheduled an Emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27, 2025, followed by the National Convention on August 28–30, 2025 in Kano State.
Key party figures have been appointed to coordinate the process:
- Governor Douye Diri (Zoning Committee Chairman)
- Governor Dauda Lawal (Vice Chairman)
- Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Secretary)
- Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (National Convention Committee Chairman)
- Governors Ademola Adeleke and Governor Peter Mbah (Committee members)
These committees are expected to guide the party through reconciliation, zoning decisions, and leadership revalidation.
What This Means for PDP and 2025 Elections
The latest developments indicate a prolonged leadership battle that could impact the PDP’s chances in the 2025 general elections. The submission of Anambra’s governorship nomination by a disputed secretary has raised constitutional and legal concerns, possibly opening the door to litigation and further division.
With the Anambra 2025 election drawing closer and the PDP convention on the horizon, all eyes are on the party's leadership to unite and present a cohesive front—or risk losing political ground.
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