The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening crisis as factions clash over the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30 and the rightful holder of the National Secretary position. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum announced the postponement of the NEC meeting and reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. The Board of Trustees (BoT) countered Damagum’s actions, insisting the NEC meeting proceed as planned and backing the current acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo. The BoT declared Damagum’s moves a violation of the party’s constitution, emphasizing that the NEC is the party’s highest decision-making body and its resolutions are binding.
The National Working Committee (NWC) is divided, with 11 members supporting the BoT’s stance and insisting on the June 30 NEC meeting. The crisis is fueled by a power struggle between factions loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and those aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. Makinde’s group supports Koshoedo, while Wike’s camp backs Anyanwu.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requires that notices for party meetings be jointly signed by the National Chairman and Secretary, adding complexity to the dispute over who rightfully holds the Secretary position. A Federal High Court has scheduled a hearing for September 22 to address the legal battle over the National Secretary position. Sources suggest a reconciliation committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, initially supported Anyanwu’s reinstatement to ensure the party could properly convene meetings recognized by INEC. Damagum has denied allegations of working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the PDP. The internal conflict threatens to further destabilize the party ahead of future elections.
