Abuja, Nigeria – A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a denial by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) that Senator Samuel Anyanwu signed the official nomination documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Anambra 2025 governorship election—despite Anyanwu’s insistence that he did.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba refuted media reports suggesting Anyanwu resumed his role as National Secretary to endorse the candidate list. The party clarified that the forms submitted to INEC were signed by Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, and Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum.
“The report is false and intended to mislead the public and create confusion within the party,” Ologunagba stated.
He referenced official documents—including a nomination letter dated May 7, 2025, and another from May 5, 2025—both co-signed by the acting officials and in compliance with Section 36 (2) of the PDP Constitution.
Anyanwu Disputes Denial, Claims He Signed Under Pressure
Contrary to the NWC’s position, Senator Anyanwu maintains that he indeed signed the nomination forms after being persuaded by high-ranking party figures, including a governor and a member of the Saraki-led reconciliation committee. He claimed that INEC rejected the initial documents signed by Koshoedo due to procedural irregularities.
“INEC rejected the earlier form. I was persuaded to sign it to save the party from embarrassment,” Anyanwu told THISDAY. “Debo Ologunagba is not in the loop. I did what I did in the party’s best interest.”
Saraki Committee Seeks Unity, Reconciliation
The unfolding drama comes as the Saraki-led strategy committee works to heal growing rifts within the PDP. Senator Anyanwu hinted that the leadership crisis had been addressed by the committee, paving the way for a unified front ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
Party elder Chief Bode George also weighed in during an interview with ARISE Television, condemning the recent defections of top PDP figures and calling them “a disgrace” to the legacy of the party’s founders.
“A divided house will remain a defeated house,” George warned. “No individual is bigger than this party.”
He stressed the importance of reconciliation and urged the Saraki committee to prioritize healing and unity.
“This reconciliation effort is our last bridge before the next meeting. Let us rebuild, not self-destruct.”
Outlook: PDP’s Integrity Under Scrutiny
As internal disputes continue to make headlines, questions remain about leadership legitimacy, procedural transparency, and how the PDP will navigate its upcoming convention and 2025 elections.
With INEC expected to respond to the claims regarding which signature holds legal authority, the PDP’s internal processes are now under intense national scrutiny.
