ABUJA — The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened as two powerful blocs, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, clash over the party’s leadership direction and the scheduling of its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
At the centre of the rift is the contentious reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, and disagreements over whether the NEC meeting should proceed as scheduled on June 30, 2025.
Makinde’s camp — backed by governors from Enugu, Bayelsa, Osun, Zamfara, 11 National Working Committee (NWC) members, and other senior party figures — has rejected Anyanwu’s return and insists the NEC meeting must hold as planned. On the opposing side, Wike’s allies — including governors from Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, and acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum — have endorsed Anyanwu’s reinstatement and are calling for the NEC meeting to be replaced by an expanded National Caucus session.
The latest twist came on Wednesday when Damagum formally announced Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary and the replacement of the NEC meeting with a National Caucus meeting on the same date. He cited procedural issues raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which reportedly rejected a letter convening the NEC meeting due to the absence of the National Secretary’s co-signature — a requirement under PDP rules.
However, 11 NWC members have opposed Damagum’s directive, describing it as unconstitutional. They maintain that only the NEC has the authority to validate key decisions and argue that Anyanwu’s reinstatement violates internal party procedures.
The party’s troubles have been simmering since it lost federal power in 2015, with persistent leadership tussles, high-profile defections, and unresolved congress disputes. The latest confrontation underscores deepening divisions ahead of key political contests, including the 2027 general elections and the upcoming Federal Capital Territory polls.
Governor Wike, speaking through allies, slammed Damagum’s leadership and questioned the party’s handling of INEC-related processes. In contrast, Makinde’s faction reaffirmed NEC’s primacy in determining the party’s direction.
Elder statesman and PDP chieftain Bode George weighed in on the dispute, denying claims of Wike’s dominance and calling for reconciliation through the NEC. Meanwhile, Chidi Lloyd, a close ally of Wike, described Anyanwu’s reinstatement as a “victory for internal democracy” and urged unity as the party prepares for future challenges.
With tensions escalating and no clear resolution in sight, the PDP faces a critical test of unity and survival at a time when internal cohesion is crucial for its political resurgence.