By John Moses
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary, following consultations with party stakeholders and electoral authorities.
The announcement was made by the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, at a press briefing at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. Describing the decision as “a bitter pill”, Damagum said the party had no option but to comply with guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which regulates political parties in Nigeria.
“After meeting with governors, the Board of Trustees, the National Assembly caucus, and other stakeholders, we came to the difficult conclusion that Senator Anyanwu must be reinstated to ensure legal clarity and party cohesion,” Damagum explained.
The party is preparing for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election, and Damagum stressed that the secretary’s role is critical, as the holder is a key signatory on party documentation.
“In the interest of unity and legal conformity, we decided to respect INEC’s position. It’s not an easy decision, but it’s necessary for the party’s survival,” he said.
Damagum also announced the suspension of the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for 30 June. In its place, an expanded caucus meeting will be held on the same date to discuss pressing internal matters and set the stage for the party’s national convention.
He acknowledged procedural missteps regarding the NEC meeting notice and said the party would follow the appropriate processes moving forward.
Key figures in attendance at the press briefing included PDP Governors’ Forum Chair and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other senior party figures such as Senator Seriake Dickson and Umar Bature.
The decision to reinstate Anyanwu comes amid ongoing internal disputes and highlights the PDP’s struggle to maintain unity as Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw nearer.
