PDP Crisis: National Secretary Dispute Escalates

ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing an ongoing internal crisis. A reconciliation committee led by Bukola Saraki reportedly endorsed Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary. This decision has caused more divisions within the party. The committee was formed before the May 27 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Sources report that the PDP Governors’ Forum, National Working Committee (NWC) members, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and other stakeholders disagree with the Saraki panel’s choice. This has increased existing tensions. The PDP has had internal conflict since the 2023 elections. The conflict grew in December 2024. The South-East zonal caucus and a court recognized Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.

PDP governors, the BoT, and the NWC accepted the court’s decision. Anyanwu challenged it at the Supreme Court. On March 21, the Supreme Court dismissed his removal. It ruled internal party issues were not for the judiciary. On April 14, PDP governors asked the South-East for a new nominee. Setonji Koshoedo was then selected as Acting Secretary. The NWC approved this on April 29.

Saraki Panel Decision Causes New Disputes in PDP Crisis

Current and former governors appointed Saraki to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee. This was to resolve the PDP crisis before the NEC meeting and the August elective convention. On May 14, reports stated Saraki’s panel allowed Anyanwu to resume as National Secretary after a May 12 meeting.

This decision angered the South-East Zonal Caucus, led by Governor Peter Mbah and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara. The caucus reaffirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as their candidate. They warned they might reconsider their PDP commitment if their choice is ignored.

A party leader stated some governors and NWC members are unhappy. They believe the Saraki panel endorsed Anyanwu without full consultation. They stated party unity should not be sacrificed. Another party source said Koshoedo’s name was sent to INEC as party scribe on Wednesday. A different insider stated the Saraki panel respected the Supreme Court’s ruling on Anyanwu. This source warned ignoring the ruling could harm the PDP. Attempts to get comments from Saraki and the PDP National Publicity Secretary were not successful.

Atiku Supports Reconciliation, Urges Coalition

PDP’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, supports reconciliation in the party. His Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said Atiku also supports a broader coalition of opposition parties. Ibe called this a vital strategic effort.

“The PDP’s efforts to resolve issues are ongoing and unimpeded. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar will give his support to that process,” Ibe said. He added that reconciliation and coalition efforts are complementary. Atiku believes opposition parties must be strong and active for Nigerians who want change.

Despite the current PDP crisis, some party members expressed optimism that the party would resolve its issues.

BY Abdullah Korede