PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens as Damagum, Anyanwu Clash Over State Congresses in Three States

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again been thrown into confusion as two factions of its national leadership issued contradictory directives on the conduct of state congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi.

In a letter dated September 25, the party’s national chairman, Umar Damagum, announced the postponement of the congresses initially scheduled for September 27. He cited “unforeseen circumstances and operational logistic challenges” as the reason for the decision and assured that a new date would be communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in due course. Damagum stressed that the notice was “for information purposes” and not an official communication of congress.

However, in a separate letter dated September 26, the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, countered the directive, insisting that the congresses would go ahead as planned. He argued that any communication to INEC regarding party activities must carry the signatures of both the national chairman and national secretary, warning the commission against honouring letters that failed to meet that standard.

The exchange highlights the worsening divisions within the PDP’s leadership. The dispute is fueled by the lingering controversy over the national secretary position, which has been contested between Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye. In March, the Supreme Court nullified a ruling that had removed Anyanwu from office, prompting Damagum to reluctantly direct him to resume, describing the decision as “difficult.”

Anyanwu is a known ally of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whose influence continues to deepen the cracks within the opposition party.