A disagreement has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, as two top leaders have issued conflicting instructions regarding state congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi. The party’s national chairman, Umar Damagum, announced in a letter dated September 25 that the congresses, initially scheduled for September 27, would be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and logistical challenges.
However, in a letter dated September 26, PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu countered this decision, stating that the congresses should proceed as planned. Anyanwu argued that any communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must bear the signatures of both the national secretary and the chairman. He emphasized that the commission should not recognize any correspondence lacking the joint signatures.
This development underscores the deepening rift within the PDP’s national leadership, which has been plagued by a crisis over the national secretary position. The dispute began when Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu both laid claim to the seat. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court nullified the ruling that removed Anyanwu from office, and Damagum subsequently asked him to resume his duties.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Anyanwu is an ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The PDP has been navigating internal conflicts, and this latest disagreement may exacerbate the existing tensions. The conflicting instructions from the party’s leaders may create uncertainty and potentially impact the party’s preparations for upcoming elections.
The party’s national leadership is expected to resolve the disagreement and provide clarity on the status of the state congresses. The INEC will likely await a unified communication from the PDP before proceeding. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the party will address its internal divisions and move forward with its electoral plans. The developments in the PDP are being closely watched, as they may have implications for the party’s prospects in future elections.
