PDP NEC under pressure as INEC confirms Wike Ally, Samuel Anyanwu, as National Secretary

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is under renewed pressure following confirmation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a known ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, remains the party’s recognized National Secretary.

A fact-finding committee constituted by the PDP National Caucus and chaired by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, briefed the 99th NEC meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, that INEC’s position aligns with a Supreme Court judgment affirming Anyanwu’s status.

Other members of the committee include Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), alongside PDP National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.

The committee was tasked with verifying INEC’s recognition of Anyanwu, who has been at the center of an internal leadership dispute.

Sources within the party revealed that INEC confirmed Anyanwu remains the duly recognized National Secretary and cannot be replaced unless formally removed in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral regulations.

The Supreme Court on March 15, 2025, affirmed Anyanwu as the authentic national secretary, declaring that the dispute over the position was an internal party affair and not justiciable.

The latest development threatens to deepen the ongoing crisis within the party and has further strained relations between Wike and the PDP leadership.

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Wike, who has accused the leadership of reneging on earlier reconciliation agreements, announced his withdrawal from peace efforts on Sunday, blaming Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) for exacerbating tensions and violating agreed terms regarding Anyanwu’s position.

In response, a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki convened an emergency meeting with key stakeholders Sunday night, though the outcome remains unclear.

The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions before and after the 2023 general elections.

Ongoing disputes—ranging from leadership tussles in Rivers State and disagreements over zonal congresses in the South-South, South-East, and North-Central regions—have fractured the party, raising concerns about its unity and preparedness for future elections.