Fresh Crisis Rocks PDP as National Secretary Anyanwu Slams Chairman Damagum Over ‘Illegal’ Decisions

Fresh Crisis Rocks PDP as National Secretary Anyanwu Slams Chairman Damagum Over ‘Illegal’ Decisions

A fresh storm has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a heated exchange between the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, and the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum.

In a strongly worded letter dated October 1, 2025, and addressed to the party leadership, Senator Anyanwu accused Damagum and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of breaching the PDP Constitution and acting beyond their legal powers.

The latest row was triggered by the controversial dissolution of the Akwa Ibom and Cross River State working committees, a decision Anyanwu described as “illegal, provocative, and grossly unacceptable.” He insisted that the resolutions allegedly reached at the September 30 NWC meeting were “null, void, and of no effect.”

Anyanwu Cites Party Constitution

Quoting Section 36 (1) (b) and (e) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the National Secretary reminded Damagum that it is the sole duty of his office to convene meetings of critical party organs—including the National Convention, National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and the NWC.

He accused the National Chairman of consistently bypassing constitutional provisions, stressing that “any action taken outside due process cannot stand in law or in practice.”

Tensions Deepen in PDP

This open confrontation further exposes the deep cracks within the PDP’s leadership, already battling internal distrust and factionalism after its poor outing in the 2023 general elections. Analysts warn that continued disunity at the top could weaken the party’s ability to mount a credible challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.

Stakeholders fear that the prolonged infighting might alienate party loyalists in states like Akwa Ibom and Cross River, where the PDP has been struggling to hold onto its grassroots support.

Why This Matters

The PDP remains Nigeria’s main opposition party, and its internal cohesion is critical to sustaining a vibrant democracy. Leadership tussles, such as the one between Damagum and Anyanwu, not only damage the party’s public image but also risk derailing efforts to rebuild ahead of 2027.

Observers note that unless urgent reconciliation efforts are initiated, the party could face more defections, declining voter trust, and weakened influence in national politics.