The recently reinstated National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has called for unity within the party, stating that the internal crisis has been resolved.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Anyanwu urged party members to focus on strengthening the PDP and advised those currently engaged in coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections to reconsider their stance and instead work towards rebuilding the party.
Anyanwu’s remarks follow last week’s announcement of a political coalition involving 2023 presidential candidates, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
While claiming to be unaware of the coalition led by Atiku, Anyanwu encouraged PDP members to remain committed to the party.
According to him, the PDP remains a strong force across all levels despite the internal conflicts that have plagued it before and after the 2023 elections, causing instability and divisions.
Tensions within the party escalated after the removal of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and the appointment of Umar Damagum as acting chairman. The dispute over the National Secretary position further deepened when the South-East nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to replace Anyanwu, who had been put forward as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Imo State in 2023.
The controversy led to a legal battle, culminating in a December 2024 Appeal Court ruling in Enugu that recognised Ude-Okoye as the PDP’s National Secretary. However, after months of internal discord, the Supreme Court overturned the decision last Friday, reinstating Anyanwu.
In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that matters related to the leadership or membership of a political party are internal affairs and should not be determined by the courts.
Following the ruling, the PDP’s National Working Committee affirmed in a statement that Ude-Okoye’s appointment had been nullified and emphasised the need for internal resolution of leadership disputes.
Reacting to the development, Anyanwu expressed relief, stating that the Supreme Court’s verdict had put an end to the crisis within the PDP.
“From the Supreme Court, which is the highest court, I am the National Secretary of the PDP. I hold no grudges against anyone. We have only a few months left, so all we need to do now is work together and reposition the party,” he said.
He further noted, “Although I have been bruised and have experienced a lot of emotional stress, I endure it all. Now is the time for us to unite and reposition the PDP. There is also an urgent need for an important NWC meeting where we can face each other, speak the truth, and apologize where necessary.”
On the NWC’s position regarding the situation, Anyanwu disclosed, “The NWC hasn’t met yet; some members are unavailable. I have resumed, and we will have a meeting soon.”
He also reiterated that the PDP was not involved in any coalition and urged those advocating for an alliance to unseat President Tinubu to instead join the PDP.
“The PDP is not part of any coalition; we have not been invited to any coalition meetings. In fact, we have not had any discussions about a coalition. The PDP remains strong at the local, ward, and state levels. As far as I am concerned, those talking about a coalition should join the PDP. The crisis is over, so people should move into the PDP rather than PDP joining any coalition,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some members of the National Executive Committee, who requested anonymity, along with PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, have called for reconciliation within the NWC.
One NEC member remarked, “For me, it was an unnecessary fight in the first place. However, now that the apex court has ruled, all well-meaning leaders of the party, such as the Governors, members of the BoT, and other stakeholders, should rally behind the NWC. I know some people are still angry within the NWC, but we must let this go for the party to survive. If we continue to fight like this, the image of the party will suffer.”
Osadolor echoed this sentiment, stating, “I know that the PDP Governors Forum, the BoT, and the opposition in Nigeria have their opinions on what is right and wrong. Only God and extraterrestrial beings can fully determine that. They are, to some extent, also involved in these matters. The Supreme Court has ruled, so it is time for all of us in the PDP, regardless of our position, to start mending our differences. I believe we are going to make decisions. The way forward is reconciliation, and healing is an essential part of that.”
He further emphasised, “Going forward, we want the Governors Forum, the BoT, the NWC, and especially Samuel Anyanwu to help resolve any grey areas. Now that the situation is clear, no one should fight it. We can heal and recover. It should not be seen as a case of victor and vanquished. We are all one family, so let’s embrace the future and move on.”