PDP Crisis Deepens: Senator Samuel Anyanwu Vows to Remain National Secretary Amid Intense Pressure

Amid zoning disputes and leadership tussles, Senator Samuel Anyanwu stands firm as PDP National Secretary, defying pressure from key governors.

The ongoing internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, firmly rejected calls for his resignation. In a bold statement delivered to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the former lawmaker maintained that he remains the duly elected National Secretary of the PDP and will not vacate his position despite mounting pressure from some influential party leaders.
According to Senator Anyanwu, governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State are allegedly leading a calculated and politically motivated move to remove him before the expiration of his tenure, which is set to end in December 2025. He described the plot as baseless, unconstitutional, and driven by selfish political interests rather than the well-being of the party.

"No Vacancy in My Office," Says Anyanwu
“There is no vacancy in the office of the National Secretary of the PDP,” Anyanwu stated emphatically. “I remain the substantive National Secretary whose tenure is valid until December 2025. This campaign to remove me lacks any constitutional justification."

Anyanwu clarified that his temporary absence from office was purely due to his decision to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election. He disclosed that he had formally written to the party and to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before proceeding on leave and that his letter of notice was duly acknowledged by both bodies.

“My deputy only acted in my absence. I never resigned. At no point did I relinquish my position as National Secretary,” he reiterated.

A major issue fueling the conflict appears to be the struggle over zoning. The position of PDP National Secretary is zoned to the South, with a micro-zoning arrangement placing it specifically in the Southeast and, more precisely, in Imo State. However, Anyanwu questioned why some party leaders are attempting to push a replacement from Enugu State.

“Governor Mbah is pushing for a replacement that violates the PDP’s own zoning formula,” he said. “If we are to respect the principle of zoning, then any replacement must come from Imo State. That is the arrangement agreed upon by the party.”

Anyanwu sees the move to nominate someone from Enugu as a blatant disregard for the PDP's internal agreements and traditions. He warned that such actions could deepen the crisis and erode trust within the party.
Senator Anyanwu also pointed fingers at Hon. Ali Odefa, the former PDP South-East National Vice Chairman, accusing him of being at the center of a misinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and pushing for an unconstitutional change in leadership.

“Odefa has no standing in the PDP. His tenure expired in March, and he was expelled. The High Court has confirmed his expulsion,” Anyanwu explained."

He cited a High Court ruling dated January 26, 2025, which he says nullified any meeting presided over or attended by Odefa. According to the judgment, such meetings are considered illegal and have no legal effect.

“The ruling states clearly that any action taken by Ali Odefa or any meeting he participated in is infected with the virus of fundamental illegality. That judgment remains binding and enforceable, as it has not been appealed,” Anyanwu emphasized.

Further deepening the crisis, Anyanwu accused Governors Makinde and Mbah of attempting to impose Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye as the new PDP National Secretary through what he described as “improper and illegal channels.”
According to him, the process involved manipulating party staff, sponsoring individuals, and convening unauthorized meetings to push through the appointment.

“How can governors gang up to install someone through the back backdoor? This is the height of impunity,” he said. “Party procedures were bypassed. This is not how a democratic institution like PDP should function.”

Addressing widespread rumors about his political allegiance, Senator Anyanwu dismissed suggestions that he is aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a way that compromises his loyalty to the PDP.

“I will never deny my friend,” he stated candidly. “After political offices, life continues. But my loyalty to the PDP has never wavered, and I remain committed to the party’s values.”

Amid growing speculation that the PDP may be considering a merger or coalition with other political parties, Anyanwu firmly rejected the idea, insisting that the PDP remains strong and independent.

“There is no coalition. PDP is not merging with any party. If others want to join us, they are welcome. But we will not surrender our identity,” he declared.

Senator Anyanwu expressed deep frustration over what he called “internal sabotage” during the 2023 governorship election in Imo State. He lamented that despite his long-standing commitment to the PDP, many leaders who are now calling for his resignation failed to support his campaign.

“I contested that election without a kobo from the party. None of those now calling for my removal helped me,” he said. “And yet, they want me out?”

In a stern warning to party leaders, Senator Anyanwu said any action to unlawfully remove him could trigger a legal chain reaction that would invalidate all party activities he has overseen since November 2023. Nigeria Cannot Become a One-Party State – Governor Sule Assures

“If my office is declared vacant or invalid, then every congress, every candidate nomination, and every official action I’ve taken since then becomes null and void. That means PDP has no legal structure across Nigeria,” he cautioned.

As the PDP prepares for its upcoming convention, Senator Anyanwu appealed for calm and unity within the party. He urged leaders to rise above personal ambitions and focus on the collective good of the party.

“We came into this as a family. Let us not destroy the house because of selfish interests,” he concluded. “Let us go to the convention in peace, for the sake of our future and the survival of the PDP.”

The deepening rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) underscores the urgent need for reconciliation and adherence to the party's constitution and zoning principles. Senator Anyanwu's resistance to pressure and his legal arguments raise important questions about internal party democracy and the role of influential figures in shaping party dynamics. As the PDP navigates this storm, the outcome could shape the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Primelineinfo