The storm within Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deepened on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as key members of its National Working Committee (NWC) firmly dismissed claims by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, suggesting a shift in party decisions.
The party’s top members issued a statement to counter Damagum’s earlier press briefing, which allegedly, attempted to alter resolutions made during the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
According to Damagum, the upcoming 100th NEC meeting — initially scheduled for Monday, June 30 — had been put on hold.
He also claimed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu had been directed to resume duties as the party’s National Secretary.
But the NWC, in a detailed statement jointly signed by several high-ranking officials and posted on PDP official X handle, described both claims as not only misleading but also a breach of the party’s constitution.
They stressed that no individual, regardless of position, has the authority to upturn NEC resolutions.
“The NEC is the highest decision-making body after the National Convention. Its decisions are binding and cannot be changed arbitrarily by any official,” the statement emphasized, referencing Section 31(3) of the party’s constitution.
“Furthermore, the claim by Amb. Damagum that Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the Party is therefore misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.”
In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, 30th June, 2025 has not been canceled or postponed.”
The joint statement was signed by prominent party figures, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, and National Treasurer Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed.
Others are Sir. Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (National Auditor), Hon. Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary), Woyengikuro Daniel Ph.D – (National Financial Secretary), High Chief Ali Odefa (National Vice Chairman South East) Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi (Caretaker Committee Chairman South South).
The rest include Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm (National Woman Leader), Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese (National Vice Chairman South West).
With just days left before the anticipated 100th NEC meeting, all eyes would now shift to the PDP leadership to see whether this internal battle will escalate or find a resolution behind closed doors.
