The ongoing crisis within the main opposition party, PDP, has escalated as 11 members of the NWC have opposed the return of the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
During a press briefing held earlier on Wednesday, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the party, declared the reinstatement of Anyanwu. He noted that this decision, while necessary, was difficult to make.
After Damagum’s stance was announced, the 11 members of the NWC stated that Damagum did not have the authority to make such decisions.
They emphasized that the NEC meeting was not rescheduled.
The notice of rejection was authorized with the signature of:
Ambassador. 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 Chairman (South South).
Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader.
Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (South West).
The statement reads: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, 30th June, 2025.
“The Acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the Party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to 100th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation as no Organ of the Party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
“The NEC is the highest decision-making Organ of the Party, second only to the National Convention. By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday 30th June, 2025 is binding on all Organs, Officers, Chapters and members of the Party and no Organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.”
