PDP Reinstates Wike’s Ally Samuel Anyanwu As National Secretary.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as its National Secretary, ending months of internal wrangling over the position. The decision was announced by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, during a press briefing at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Flanked by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other key stakeholders, Damagum described the reinstatement as a “difficult but critical decision” accepted by the majority of the party’s organs. “Samuel Anyanwu is resuming as the National Secretary, and we believe this move will strengthen our unity,” Damagum stated. The announcement follows a protracted leadership dispute that saw Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye vying for the role, with competing court rulings and factional support deepening the crisis within the PDP.
Anyanwu, a former senator for Imo East, was elected National Secretary at the PDP’s 2021 National Convention. However, his position became contentious when he contested the 2023 Imo State governorship election, prompting some party members to argue he had vacated his office. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in March 2025 affirming Anyanwu’s legitimacy, opposition from the PDP Governors’ Forum and other factions had delayed his reinstatement until now.
The decision also saw the cancellation of a planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, with Damagum announcing an expanded caucus meeting scheduled for 30 June to chart the party’s next steps. “At the caucus, we will take decisions leading to a proper NEC,” he added, signalling ongoing efforts to resolve internal divisions.
Posts on X reflected mixed reactions, with some users noting the reinstatement as a significant win for Wike’s influence within the PDP, while others expressed concern over the party’s persistent infighting. The move is seen as a step towards consolidating the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, though analysts suggest the PDP must address underlying factional tensions to regain public trust.
