PDP’s Saraki Committee Endorsement of Anyanwu Triggers Fresh Crisis Amid Calls for Party Unity

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is confronting renewed internal conflict following the Saraki-led reconciliation committee’s endorsement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.

This decision has sparked backlash from the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees, and National Working Committee, threatening party cohesion ahead of the May 27 National Executive Committee meeting.

The controversy stems from a protracted dispute over the National Secretary post that intensified after the 2023 elections. In December 2024, a lower court recognized Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, a decision initially accepted by party leaders. However, Anyanwu challenged this ruling at the Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor on March 21, dismissing judicial intervention in party affairs.

Following the ruling, PDP governors asked the South-East caucus to nominate a new candidate, leading to Setonji Koshoedo’s appointment as Acting Secretary and subsequent NWC approval. Despite this, Saraki’s committee’s May 12 decision to reinstate Anyanwu without broad consultation has reignited tensions.

A senior PDP official disclosed, “Saraki met with a few NWC members and decided Anyanwu should resume without consulting the full panel or governors who assigned him the task.” Governors from Zamfara, Oyo, Bayelsa, and Enugu states are reportedly displeased, viewing the move as undermining their influence.

The South-East caucus, led by Governor Peter Mbah and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed support for Udeh-Okoye and warned they might reconsider their commitment to the party if their decision is disregarded.

Meanwhile, a PDP insider confirmed Koshoedo’s name has been forwarded to INEC as the official National Secretary. Another source warned that ignoring the Supreme Court ruling could have serious implications for the party’s electoral prospects.

Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, voiced support for reconciliation and coalition efforts, emphasizing the necessity of a united opposition. “The PDP cannot afford to be handicapped in any shape or form,” he said.

Former party officials remain optimistic about resolving the crisis, while the ruling APC dismissed the PDP as a “dead party” resistant to revival.

The upcoming NEC meeting will be crucial in determining whether the PDP can overcome its internal divisions.