The recently reinstated National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has called for party unity, asserting that the internal crisis within the PDP has been resolved. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Anyanwu urged party members to focus on strengthening the PDP and advised those involved in coalition negotiations for the 2027 elections to reconsider their actions and work together to rebuild the party.
Anyanwu’s remarks come in response to the recent declaration of a coalition by 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 the upcoming elections. Anyanwu claimed to be unaware of the coalition and encouraged PDP members to remain dedicated to the party.
Despite the internal conflicts that have caused instability within the PDP, Anyanwu emphasized that the party remains strong at all levels. Criticism has also been directed at Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum following his replacement of Iyorchia Ayu, and tensions heightened over the National Secretary position when the South-East nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to replace Anyanwu.
The dispute escalated to the courts, resulting in an Appeal Court ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye. However, the Supreme Court recently overturned that decision, reinstating Anyanwu as the party’s Secretary. The Supreme Court ruled that issues related to the leadership of a political party are internal matters that should not be handled by the courts.
Following the ruling, Anyanwu expressed relief, stating that the Supreme Court’s decision has resolved a 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,” he stated.
Anyanwu reaffirmed that the PDP is not involved in any coalition and urged those advocating for a coalition to remove President Bola Tinubu to join the PDP instead. He asserted that the crisis is over, encouraging people to move into the PDP rather than seeking external coalitions.
Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also called for reconciliation within the party, emphasizing the need for unity and strengthening the PDP’s leadership. NEC sources noted that the recent conflict was unnecessary and urged all party leaders to rally behind the National Working Committee (NWC) for the party’s survival.
Osadolor emphasized the importance of healing within the party, stating, “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.”
As the PDP navigates its internal challenges, the call for unity and reconciliation sets the stage for the party’s future as it prepares for the electoral battles ahead.
