The internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), intensified on Monday as a faction led by suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu unlawfully took over the party’s national secretariat and formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize a new acting leadership.
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In a letter addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, Anyanwu despite his own suspension declared Hon. Mohammed Abdulrahman, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), as the Acting National Chairman, replacing the incumbent Umar Iliya Damagum. The move, which Anyanwu claims aligns with the PDP Constitution, has further fractured the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and cast fresh doubt over its upcoming national convention.
The letter, dated November 3, 2025, and titled “Resolutions of the PDP NWC Meeting,” references a purported NWC gathering on November 1. It states: “After a meeting of the PDP NWC held on November 1, 2025, it was resolved among other issues that Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Vice Chairman North Central, in line with the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman to replace the suspended National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum.”
“This appointment is in accordance with the party’s constitution, and we kindly request that all necessary steps be taken to recognise him in his new capacity,” the letter continues. “We would appreciate your prompt attention and response to this decision.”
The document, signed by Anyanwu from the Office of the National Secretary at the PDP’s Wadata Plaza headquarters, urges INEC to act swiftly amid the ongoing schism.
The power play unfolded earlier in the day when Abdulrahman, flanked by Anyanwu and a small group of loyalists, stormed the national secretariat in Abuja’s Wadata Plaza. Protesters outside chanted solidarity songs, creating a festive yet tense atmosphere as the faction effectively ousted Damagum’s team from the chairman’s office.
This bold action follows a week of escalating suspensions and counter-suspensions. Last week, the Damagum-led NWC imposed a one-month suspension on Anyanwu, alongside National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, citing alleged anti-party activities. In retaliation, the Anyanwu faction convened in Abuja, announcing Damagum’s suspension and Abdulrahman’s elevation to acting chairman.
Anyanwu, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike a former PDP governor now aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has repeatedly framed his troubles as politically motivated. He has resisted previous attempts to remove him from the NWC, attributing the pressure to his ties with Wike.
Lawyers within the party, however, question the legitimacy of Anyanwu’s maneuvers, arguing that his suspension strips him of authority to convene meetings or issue such directives. “This is a clear mockery of our institutions,” one PDP stalwart told reporters anonymously, echoing sentiments that the faction’s actions lack legal backing.
Senator Samuel AnyanwuThe leadership battle compounds existing woes for the PDP, whose national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Abuja hangs in the balance following a recent Federal High Court ruling. The court decision, details of which remain under wraps, has introduced uncertainty, prompting the party to consider an appeal. However, Monday’s events appear to have derailed those plans, with factional lines hardening.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political force, has been plagued by infighting since its 2023 election loss. The current crisis traces back to disputes over zoning formulas for leadership positions and lingering resentments from Wike’s fallout with presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
INEC has yet to respond to Anyanwu’s letter, delivered to its Maitama headquarters. Party insiders warn that without swift intervention from the electoral body or the courts, the PDP risks irreparable damage ahead of future polls.
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