BREAKING: New Twist in PDP Crisis as 11 NWC Members Reject Anyanwu’s Return as National Secretary

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, as 11 out of 19 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have publicly rejected the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary.

TJ News Nigeria reports that in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the dissenting NWC members dismissed claims by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, that Anyanwu had been reinstated and that the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, had been cancelled.

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NWC Faction Disputes Acting Chairman’s Announcement

The NWC members stated unequivocally that no decision had been reached to reinstate Anyanwu, and accused Damagum of misleading the public and contravening NEC resolutions.

“The claim by Amb. Damagum that Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the Party is therefore misleading, being contrary to the resolution of NEC,” the statement read.

They further stressed that the 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30 remains valid and binding, warning that no party organ or officer has the constitutional power to cancel or override NEC decisions.

“The NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention. No organ of the party, including the NWC, individual or group, has the power to cancel, overrule, veto, or vary the resolution of the NEC,” they stated, citing Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

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Power Struggle Between Party Organs

This latest development follows public remarks by Acting Chairman Umar Damagum, who, alongside key PDP leaders—including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki—told reporters after a visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Anyanwu had been reinstated and that the NEC meeting was being replaced by an Expanded Caucus meeting.

The statement by the NWC 11 directly challenges this pronouncement, highlighting a growing divide in the PDP leadership and raising concerns about a deeper institutional conflict within the opposition party.

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NWC Members Who Signed the Statement

The following NWC officials endorsed the statement rejecting Anyanwu’s return:

• Amb. Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South)
• Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo – Acting National Secretary
• Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer
• Sir Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel – National Auditor
• Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary
• Woyengikuro Daniel, Ph.D. – National Financial Secretary
• High Chief Ali Odefa – National Vice Chairman (South-East)
• Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi – Caretaker Committee Chair (South-South)
• Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader
• Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, CON – National Vice Chairman (North-West)
• Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (South-West)

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Background on Anyanwu’s Controversial Return

Senator Anyanwu had stepped aside to contest the Imo State governorship election in 2023. His purported return as National Secretary has faced resistance from multiple party factions, particularly amid allegations that his reinstatement bypassed due process and existing constitutional mandates.

This internal rift now threatens to derail the PDP’s plans for restructuring and national rebranding ahead of the 2027 general elections.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing political story and provide verified updates as more details emerge.