PDP reinstates Anyanwu as National Secretary

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, bringing an end to prolonged internal disputes and uncertainty over the position.

This confirmation was made public by Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Anyanwu, a former senator representing Imo East, was originally elected National Secretary during the party’s National Convention in 2021. However, his standing within the party became a subject of contention in 2023 when he emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Imo State. The development sparked controversy as some party members argued that by contesting for elective office, Anyanwu had automatically forfeited his national position, in line with the PDP constitution.

The disagreement led to a series of legal tussles and factional disputes, with various camps attempting to replace him with an acting secretary. However, following the conclusion of the Imo governorship election—which saw Anyanwu lose to the incumbent, Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC—his supporters intensified calls for his reinstatement.

After weeks of internal consultations and constitutional reviews, the NWC resolved to officially restore Anyanwu to his role, with Damagum describing the decision as a commitment to upholding party unity and respect for the rule of law.

The development is expected to stabilize the party’s leadership structure and ease tensions among factions within the PDP as it begins preparations for the 2027 general elections. It also signals an effort by the NWC to reconcile aggrieved groups and refocus on consolidating its position as Nigeria’s main opposition party.