By Charles Pemu 
The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a full-blown internal crisis as its state congresses have degenerated into a public power struggle between National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The conflict, which revolves around procedural legitimacy, conflicting directives to INEC, and the authority over state chapters, has now put the party’s cohesion and its scheduled November 15-16 National Convention in Ibadan at risk.
Anyanwu Voids Akwa Ibom Dissolution
The crisis erupted into the public on Wednesday when Senator Anyanwu openly voided a press release from the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, that announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Working Committee (SWC).
In a letter dated October 1, 2025, Anyanwu insisted that the purported dissolution must be disregarded, stressing that no formal meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) was held to authorize the decision. He directed the Akwa Ibom State Working Committee to continue its duties, stating that the purported press release was “null and void and of no effect.”
Secretary Accuses Chairman of Undermining Office
Undeterred, Senator Anyanwu followed up with a public advertorial letter to Chairman Damagum, accusing him of violating Section 36 of the PDP Constitution by constantly undermining the duties of the National Secretary’s office.
Anyanwu cited the constitutional provision that mandates the National Secretary to issue notices of meetings and ensure the implementation of NWC decisions. He warned that any action reached by an “illegally constituted NWC is null and void,” implying the meeting that dissolved the Akwa Ibom exco lacked his essential sign-off.
Damagum Counters, Citing Chairman’s Authority
In immediate defense of the National Chairman, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba cited Section 35 of the PDP Constitution, which designates the National Chairman as the Chief Executive of the Party with the authority to “summon and preside over the meetings” and “assign specific functions to any member or officer.”
Ologunagba insisted that the NWC’s decision on Akwa Ibom was legal, backed by video and records, and warned members against promoting “parallel narratives.” He also assured Nigerians that the November convention remains on track.
INEC Caught in Signature War
The power struggle had shown early signs of friction when the national leadership sent contradictory letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- Damagum’s Letter (Sept. 26): Notified INEC of the postponement of state congresses in Plateau, Cross River, and Kebbi due to “logistic challenges.”
- Anyanwu’s Rebuttal: Issued his own letter urging INEC to ignore the Chairman’s communication, contending that official communication to INEC must bear the joint signatures of both the National Chairman and the National Secretary to be valid.
This signature standoff echoes a June 2025 incident where INEC rejected a notice for the PDP’s NEC meeting because it lacked the Secretary’s co-signature, highlighting INEC’s role as a reluctant adjudicator of the party’s internal affairs.
The crisis, which began with state congresses meant for internal renewal, has exposed deep constitutional, legal, and loyalty fault lines, risking the institutional credibility of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 political cycle.