The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reinstated Mr. Samuel Anyanwu, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as its National Secretary.
The decision came after a crucial closed-door meeting between the PDP leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced the development during a press briefing on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that reinstating Anyanwu was a difficult but necessary decision endorsed by key party organs and stakeholders.
“This was a critical decision. It wasn’t easy, but it was broadly accepted by members of the party, especially by our organs,” Damagum said.
He further revealed that the party’s much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30 had been cancelled. Instead, the party will convene an expanded caucus meeting on the same date to decide the next steps toward properly constituting a NEC session.
“INEC informed us that the notice for the NEC meeting was invalid since it lacked the signatures of both the National Chairman and National Secretary, as required by their guidelines. So, what we will have on June 30 is an extended caucus meeting. Anyanwu has resumed his duties as National Secretary to regularize the process,” he explained.
Joining Damagum at the press conference were prominent PDP leaders including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, underscoring the significance of the decision and the high-level support it enjoys within the party.
INEC had earlier rejected the PDP’s notice for the NEC meeting on procedural grounds.
In a letter dated June 13, 2025, the electoral commission cited non-compliance with Part 2(12)(3) of the 2022 INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which stipulates that such notices must be jointly signed by the party’s national chairman and national secretary.
