A disagreement has emerged within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as two top leaders issued conflicting instructions regarding state congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi. National chairman Umar Damagum announced in a letter dated September 25 that the congresses, originally scheduled for September 27, would be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and logistical challenges.
However, a day later, PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu sent a letter dated September 26 countering Damagum’s decision and 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, emphasizing that the commission should not recognize correspondence lacking the joint signatures.
This clash highlights 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 claimed 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 Anyanwu’s alliance with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The PDP has been navigating internal conflicts, and this latest disagreement may exacerbate existing tensions. Conflicting instructions from the party’s leaders could create uncertainty and potentially impact preparations for upcoming elections. The national leadership is expected to resolve the dispute and provide clarity on the status of the state congresses, after which INEC will likely await a unified communication from the PDP before proceeding.
As the situation unfolds, observers are watching closely, noting that these developments may have significant implications for the party’s prospects in future elections.
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