The recently reinstated National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has called for party unity, stating that the internal crisis within the PDP has been resolved.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Anyanwu urged party members to focus on strengthening the PDP, and advised those currently involved in coalition negotiations for the 2027 elections to reconsider their action and join hands to rebuild and strengthen the PDP.
Anyanwu’s call comes in the wake of last week’s declaration of a coalition by the 2023 presidential candidates, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Anyanwu, who claimed to be unaware of the coalition led by Atiku, encouraged PDP members to remain dedicated to the party.
According to him, the PDP remains a strong party at all levels despite the internal conflicts it has faced before and after the 2023 elections, which have caused instability and divisions within the party.
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been criticised, especially after replacing Iyorchia Ayu.
Tensions heightened over the National Secretary position when the South-East nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to replace Anyanwu, who had been nominated for the Imo governorship race in 2023.
The dispute reached the courts in December 2024, where the Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in favour of Ude-Okoye as PDP National Secretary. However, after months of party unrest, the Supreme Court overturned the Appeal Court decision on Friday, reinstating Anyanwu as the party’s Secretary.
In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court stated that issues relating to the leadership or membership of a political party are internal matters and should not be handled by the courts.
Following the ruling, the PDP’s National Working Committee issued a statement affirming that Ude-Okoye’s appointment had been overridden by the Supreme Court decision and that the party must address leadership issues internally.
Responding to the ruling, Anyanwu expressed relief, stating that the Supreme Court’s decision had ended the major crisis within the PDP.
He acknowledged the emotional toll the conflict had taken on him but expressed optimism about moving forward.
“From the Supreme Court, which is the highest court, I am the National Secretary of the PDP. I hold no grudges against anyone. We have only a few months left, so all we need to do now is work together and reposition the party,” Anyanwu said.
He added, “Although I have been bruised and have experienced a lot of emotional stress, I endure it all. Now is the time for us to unite and reposition the PDP. There is also an urgent need for an important NWC meeting where we can face each other, speak the truth, and apologize where necessary.”
When asked about the NWC’s stance, Anyanwu stated, “The NWC hasn’t met yet; some members are unavailable. I have resumed, and we will have a meeting soon.”
Anyanwu also reaffirmed that the PDP is not involved in any coalition and urged those advocating for a coalition to remove President Bola Tinubu to instead join the PDP.
“The PDP is not part of any coalition; we have not been invited to any coalition meetings. In fact, we have not had any discussions about a coalition. The PDP remains strong at the local, ward, and state levels. As far as I am concerned, those talking about a coalition should join the PDP. The crisis is over, so people should move into the PDP rather than PDP joining any coalition,” he stated.
When contacted, members of the National Executive Committee, who requested to remain anonymous, and PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called for reconciliation within the NWC.
Both emphasised that the PDP’s leadership must now focus on unity and strengthening the party.
One NEC source said, “For me, it was an unnecessary fight in the first place. However, now that the apex court has ruled, all well-meaning leaders of the party, such as the Governors, members of the BoT, and other stakeholders, should rally behind the NWC. I know some people are still angry within the NWC, but we must let this go for the party to survive. If we continue to fight like this, the image of the party will suffer.”
Osadolor added, “I know that the PDP Governors Forum, the BoT, and the opposition in Nigeria have their opinions on what is right and wrong. Only God and extraterrestrial beings can fully determine that. They are, to some extent, also involved in these matters. The Supreme Court has ruled, so it is time for all of us in the PDP, regardless of our position, to start mending our differences. I believe we are going to make decisions. The way forward is reconciliation, and healing is an essential part of that.”
Osadolor further emphasised, “Going forward, we want the Governors Forum, the BoT, the NWC, and especially Samuel Anyanwu to help resolve any grey areas. Now that the situation is clear, no one should fight it. We can heal and recover. It should not be seen as a case of victor and vanquished. We are all one family, so let’s embrace the future and move on.”
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