The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in internal strife, as two of its top national officers issued contradictory directives to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of state congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi States.
The confusion began on September 25, when PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, formally notified INEC of a postponement of the congresses earlier slated for Saturday, September 27, 2025.
In a letter sighted by WesternLifeNewsNG, the national chairman cited “unforeseen circumstances and operational logistic challenges,” adding that a fresh date would be communicated later.
But in a swift and dramatic twist, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, wrote to the electoral body the very next day, dismissing the chairman’s directive.
Anyanwu maintained that the congresses would hold as originally scheduled, warning that any correspondence not jointly signed by both the chairman and secretary should be disregarded.
Observers say the development exposes the widening cracks in the PDP hierarchy, with factions jostling for control ahead of the party’s elective convention and the 2027 general elections.
Analysts note that the open display of disunity between Damagum and Anyanwu, two key officers of the National Working Committee, could weaken the opposition party’s cohesion at a time when it is expected to present a formidable front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Party insiders reveal that disagreements over congresses in strategic states have been simmering for months, reflecting deeper battles over structures, influence, and the party’s eventual presidential ticket.
For now, uncertainty looms over whether PDP’s state congresses will hold this weekend, as INEC faces conflicting instructions from within the party itself a signal that all may not be well in the once-dominant opposition party.
