The recent return to duty of Samuel Anyanwu, the beleaguered National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggests a strengthening of influence by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), within the party’s ranks.
This shift occurs despite attempts by PDP governors to address internal conflicts during a Sunday night meeting, where they sought to outline a way forward.
Anyanwu, together with the acting National Chairman, Amb. Illya Damagum, submitted the party’s candidate list for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the Monday deadline.
The submission, dated May 7, 2025 (Ref: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.13/24-065), designated Ezenwafor Jude C. as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, with Hon. Okene Francis Chukwudi as his running mate.
This action follows INEC’s directive, which specified that it would only acknowledge official communications from the PDP if signed by Anyanwu.
A report from THISDAY newspaper highlighted that this development places the PDP firmly under Wike’s influence, positioning him to sway critical party decisions in the lead-up to forthcoming elections.
In addition to the national chairman and secretary, believed to be aligned with Wike, a significant number of members from the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) are also perceived as sympathetic to his agenda.
Wike’s control over the PDP is evident, allowing him to influence the party’s trajectory as it approaches the next major elections.
Key decisions expected before the party’s national convention include determining the geographical zone from which the presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections will emerge.
Given Wike’s collaboration with the APC government, where prospective presidential candidate Bola Tinubu hails from the south, he is likely to advocate for the PDP to nominate a candidate from the north in 2027, or vice versa, depending on the prevailing political climate.
Considerations arise regarding the choice of candidate for the 2031 elections, particularly if the APC opts for a northern candidate after an eight-year tenure under a southern leadership.
Unquestionably, Wike appears to be steering the PDP, poised to influence the party’s future in the current political landscape.
In a conversation with reporters in Abuja, the former governor of Rivers State refuted claims that his actions were fracturing the PDP, asserting that his intent was to avert the opposition from “sleep-walking into legal disaster.”
Wike emphasized, “Am I tearing the party apart? No. I’m in the process of rebuilding it. Our constitution clearly states that only the National Chairman or National Secretary can sign documents submitted to INEC. If this process is compromised, every candidate we put forward is at risk.”
He remarked, “With area council elections approaching, INEC will inquire, ‘Who signed your list?’ If it’s the incorrect name, the courts will invalidate the list. We’ve witnessed this previously. Why repeat such a blunder?”
Wike also insisted that any forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting must be convened exclusively by recognized officials.
He stated, “Only the National Secretary can issue a valid NEC notice. Should anyone else sign, I will contest it in court. This is not a threat; it’s a matter of Supreme Court precedent.”
On Sunday, PDP governors convened an extraordinary meeting with key stakeholders at the Bauchi State Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Attendees included governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftewang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Kefas Agbo (Taraba), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), along with several former governors including Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and others.
Damagum and National Legal Adviser Kamarudeen Ajibade were also present. Wike’s arrival at 9:24 PM prompted the immediate commencement of discussions.
Following deliberations, the party established a committee chaired by Saraki to explore the path forward for the PDP.
Sources indicate that the Saraki committee is not a reconciliation body, as it would conflict with the National Reconciliation Committee led by Oyinlola.
Saraki later posted on X, “I just concluded a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum, attended by both current and former governors, at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge. We engaged in productive discussions regarding the party’s challenges and future.
“The meeting was well-attended, and as part of the decisions made to forge a path forward, a seven-member committee was formed to ensure a smooth NEC meeting on May 27 and the upcoming national convention.
“This committee, which I have the honor of chairing, will include governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Muftiwang, and Peter Mba, along with Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities diligently. Let’s label this the ‘PDP Strategy Committee on Way Forward.’”
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) welcomed new members to enhance its representation as the party’s moral compass.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT Chairman, expressed confidence that the party would endure despite recent defections.
During the inauguration of 39 new BoT members, consisting of 22 from states and 16 from zones, Wabara remarked, “I am both overwhelmed and assured that my colleagues share this sentiment, witnessing the presence of such esteemed individuals in this great party speaks volumes. The board has always maintained that the PDP will not perish, a belief that is now being validated.
“The God of PDP is vigilant and will remain so. It is an honor to stand before you today as we witness the inauguration of new members to our board of trustees, in accordance with section 321F and G of the party’s constitution, as amended in 2027.
“This event marks not only a new chapter but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the party’s values and principles.
“Today, we welcome a distinguished group whose dedication and loyalty to the PDP have earned them a place on this prestigious board.
“Your appointment signifies a call to service, to uphold the integrity, unity, and vision of our party as we strive for a more democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
“As guardians of the party’s conscience, the BoT plays a crucial role in providing wisdom, fostering stability, and ensuring that our decisions align with the PDP’s core objectives,” Wabara stated.
He urged the new BoT members to recognize their responsibilities, emphasizing, “Your role is not only to guide and support the party’s leadership but also to serve as a stabilizing force amid challenges and uncertainties.
“Today’s inauguration is especially significant as we prepare to navigate the changing political landscape and work diligently to restore the PDP’s status as Nigeria’s leading party.
“The journey ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, we shall prevail.”
**CP-PDP Calls on Saraki Committee to Expedite Wike’s Expulsion**
The Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP) has praised both current and former governors for their efforts to stabilize the party, while urging the Bukola Saraki-led Committee to expedite the expulsion of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from the PDP.
In a statement from its chairman, Obinna Nwachukwu, the CP-PDP asserted that following the expanded stakeholders’ meeting of serving and former PDP governors on May 11, 2025, the expulsion of Wike is essential for cleansing, stabilizing, and advancing the party, particularly given his continual criticism of the PDP, its structures, and leadership while serving in the APC administration.
The statement noted, “This demand is amplified by Wike’s recent threats during a live television appearance to litigate against the PDP regarding its internal processes ahead of the May 27, 2025 NEC meeting.
“Moreover, Wike has publicly declared his support for the APC in the 2026 FCT Council Election and the 2027 presidential election.”
The CP-PDP expressed that Wike’s presence at the stakeholders’ meeting is an affront to many party members, considering his detrimental actions and comments against the PDP’s efforts to reclaim power in 2027.
The conference urged the Saraki committee to assert the will of PDP members by promptly facilitating Wike’s expulsion prior to the NEC meeting.
