PDP not part of any coalition – Wike’s faction responds to Atiku

The recently reinstated and embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has urged party members to unite and focus on strengthening the party, stating that the internal crisis within the PDP has been resolved.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Newsmen on Monday, Anyanwu advised members engaged in coalition discussions for the 2027 elections to reconsider their stance and instead work towards rebuilding the PDP.

His remarks follow last week’s coalition announcement by major opposition figures, including the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who seek to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Anyanwu, who said he was unaware of the coalition led by Atiku, emphasized that the PDP remains a formidable party despite the internal conflicts it has faced before and after the 2023 elections.

The party’s leadership crisis intensified after the removal of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and the appointment of Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman. The dispute over the National Secretary position arose when the South-East nominated Sunday Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested the 2023 Imo governorship election.

A legal battle ensued, with the Appeal Court in Enugu ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye in December 2024. However, on Friday, the Supreme Court overturned the decision, reinstating Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary. In its unanimous ruling, the court stated that leadership disputes within a political party should be handled internally.

Following the ruling, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) issued a statement affirming that Ude-Okoye’s appointment had been nullified and that leadership matters should be resolved within the party.

Reacting to the judgment, Anyanwu expressed relief, saying, “From the Supreme Court, which is the highest court, I am the National Secretary of the PDP. I hold no grudges against anyone. We have only a few months left, so all we need to do now is work together and reposition the party.”

He acknowledged the difficulties he faced during the dispute but stressed the need for unity, saying, “Although I have been bruised and have experienced a lot of emotional stress, I endure it all. Now is the time for us to unite and reposition the PDP. There is also an urgent need for an important NWC meeting where we can face each other, speak the truth, and apologize where necessary.”

On the NWC’s response to the ruling, he stated, “The NWC hasn’t met yet; some members are unavailable. I have resumed, and we will have a meeting soon.”

Anyanwu also dismissed any PDP involvement in coalition talks, urging those advocating for an opposition coalition to join the PDP instead. “The PDP is not part of any coalition; we have not been invited to any coalition meetings. In fact, we have not had any discussions about a coalition. The PDP remains strong at the local, ward, and state levels. As far as I am concerned, those talking about a coalition should join the PDP. The crisis is over, so people should move into the PDP rather than PDP joining any coalition.”

Meanwhile, members of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, have called for reconciliation within the party.

A NEC member, who spoke anonymously, remarked, “For me, it was an unnecessary fight in the first place. However, now that the apex court has ruled, all well-meaning leaders of the party, such as the Governors, members of the BoT, and other stakeholders, should rally behind the NWC. I know some people are still angry within the NWC, but we must let this go for the party to survive. If we continue to fight like this, the image of the party will suffer.”

Osadolor also stressed the importance of unity, stating, “I know that the PDP Governors Forum, the BoT, and the opposition in Nigeria have their opinions on what is right and wrong. Only God and extraterrestrial beings can fully determine that. They are, to some extent, also involved in these matters. The Supreme Court has ruled, so it is time for all of us in the PDP, regardless of our position, to start mending our differences. I believe we are going to make decisions. The way forward is reconciliation, and healing is an essential part of that.”

He further urged key party figures, including Anyanwu, to work towards peace, saying, “Going forward, we want the Governors Forum, the BoT, the NWC, and especially Samuel Anyanwu to help resolve any grey areas. Now that the situation is clear, no one should fight it. We can heal and recover. It should not be seen as a case of victor and vanquished. We are all one family, so let’s embrace the future and move on.”