Senator Samuel Anyanwu has maintained that he is the substantive National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing the weekend convention in Ibadan as illegitimate and “a jamboree.” Leading a faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu, in an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, urged Governor Seyi Makinde not to allow his 2027 presidential ambition to destabilize the party, calling instead for unity and collective efforts to reposition the PDP.
When asked about his suspension, Anyanwu stated, “I was suspended, but I resisted. There was no basis for it. My tenure as National Secretary ends on December 7, 2025. Until then, I remain the authentic Secretary of the PDP.”
On the Ibadan convention, he said, “What happened there was just a jamboree. Governor Makinde used it to commission a motor park. How many states participated? Without proper notification to INEC, it cannot be considered a legitimate national convention. Only a few states were involved, and many Southeast states never held congresses.”
Anyanwu also criticized moves by some party leaders, including Bode George, to influence party structures. “They tried to dissolve executives whose tenure runs till March just to install preferred officers. PDP is a law-abiding party, and court judgments must be respected,” he noted.
Regarding former National Chairman Amb Umar Damagum, Anyanwu clarified, “Damagum is my friend, but he is incompetent. He is handing over the party to the Governors’ Forum. Nothing personal, but the truth must be told.”
Addressing claims that he and Wike were working to destabilize the PDP, Anyanwu rejected the assertion: “That’s false. Wike has always supported the party. I too have always worked within the PDP framework. Our focus is on doing what is right for the party.”
On Governor Makinde, he added, “He caused the crisis, dividing the National Working Committee and pulling members from the Southwest against others. If he wants to run for president, he should not destroy the party in the process.”
Anyanwu concluded by rejecting reports of his expulsion, stating, “I have not been expelled. What platform do they have to expel me?”
