Crisis rocking the main opposition party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepen as its National Working Committee (NWC) has split over the alleged reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a close ally of Nyesom Wike, as the party’s National Secretary.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum announced Anyanwu’s reinstatement, citing advice from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).stated that the party had no option but to abide by INEC’s decision.
“INEC is our regulator and they have told us their position as it affects the issues surrounding the national secretary…
“We have no option but to abide by the decision.”
He added that the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, earlier scheduled for June 30, had been suspended.
However, a faction of the NWC, comprising 12 members, rejected Damagum’s pronouncements, describing them as “null and void”.
The factional NWC members argued that the NEC meeting was neither canceled nor postponed and that Anyanwu’s reinstatement was not valid.
Their statement read in part: “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 NEC under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).”
The signatories to the statement included PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, acting National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, and National Treasurer, Ahmed Mohammed, among others.
This internal conflict may have far-reaching consequences for the PDP, potentially affecting its stability and decision-making processes. The party’s ability to navigate this crisis will be crucial in determining its future trajectory.