The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations by its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged on documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that the PDP’s elective national convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, will go ahead as planned despite internal challenges. Speaking in Abuja after the inaugural meeting of the convention’s accommodation sub-committee, which he chairs, Adeleke expressed confidence in a successful event.
“We held a productive meeting of the accommodation sub-committee, resolving all necessary issues to ensure a smooth convention,” Adeleke told journalists. “The PDP is committed to proper organization, adherence to the rule of law, and conducting things the right way.”
He added, “We’ve successfully organized conventions in the past, and this one will be even better. The PDP will continue to grow stronger.”
Addressing internal party disputes, Adeleke described them as “a family affair” to be resolved internally. “We don’t need external interference. The PDP is a family, and we manage our issues ourselves,” he said.
On defections of some PDP governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeleke remained unfazed, stating, “Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. These defections don’t weaken the PDP. We retain strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria.”
He also refuted rumors of his own potential defection to the APC, clarifying, “I’m a civilized person. Attending social events hosted by APC members doesn’t mean I’m joining them. I remain a loyal PDP member, serving as Deputy Chairman of the convention and chair of the accommodation sub-committee.”
Adeleke emphasized the party’s focus on unity and success, stating, “By God’s grace, our convention will be a success, and the PDP will continue to thrive.”
Addressing the forgery allegations, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologuagba clarified that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), at its 101st meeting on July 24, 2025, mandated Anyanwu and National Chairman Umar Damagum to notify INEC about the convention.
“The NEC approved the convention’s schedule, set for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to elect new national officers,” Ologuagba said. “The NEC directed the chairman and secretary to formally notify INEC, in line with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant regulations.”
He added that the NEC also approved the membership of the National Convention Organizing Committee and the National Convention Zoning Committee during the same meeting.
Ologuagba further noted that at the 102nd NEC meeting on August 25, 2025, attended by key party figures including Governors Ahmadu Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, Ademola Adeleke, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, and Senator Bukola Saraki, four letters were signed by Anyanwu and Damagum. These included:
1. A letter to INEC detailing the convention’s date, venue, and agenda.
2. A letter outlining the composition of the National Convention Organizing Committee.
3. A notice of repeal of the Southeast 2025 Zonal Congresses.
4. A notice of repeat congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi States.
“These letters were signed in the presence of NWC members and other party leaders at the national chairman’s office,” Ologuagba said, refuting Anyanwu’s forgery claims.
