The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a significant step towards reconciliation as the National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary—on the condition that he drops all court actions and refrains from disrupting the upcoming national elective convention in August .
At Monday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, governors, National Assembly members, and Board of Trustees members agreed that Anyanwu’s return hinged on his withdrawal of litigation, non-interference with party staff, and cooperation with the National Working Committee (NWC) .
Acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum later confirmed the reinstatement and announced a follow-up NEC meeting set for July 23 to finalise convention arrangements .
Internal tensions within the PDP peaked following a letter to INEC on June 24 concerning the National Secretary’s position. On that day, two factions held separate meetings at Wadata Plaza: one led by Damagum and Anyanwu, and another backing Acting Secretary Setonji Koshoedo .
The party’s split mirrored broader divides: a bloc rallied by Governor Seyi Makinde opposed Anyanwu’s return, while a coalition led by former Governor Nyesom Wike and supported by several governors favoured reconciliation .
Heightened friction prompted police to seal off Wadata Plaza, forcing the PDP Board of Trustees to relocate their session to Yar’Adua Centre. BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara condemned the police action as harassment and an attempt to stifle the party’s unity efforts .
In an emergency gathering at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, PDP leaders resolved to proceed with the 100th NEC meeting. Progressing later to Wadata Plaza, they publicly endorsed Anyanwu’s reinstatement and committed to convening another NEC session on July 23 for the national convention .
Damagum emphasised that the PDP has robust internal mechanisms for resolving disputes, reassuring members and Nigerians that “we possess internal mechanisms strong enough to resolve all our internal crises” .
The NEC also placed conditions on Anyanwu: he must withdraw ongoing court suits, guarantee no victimisation of party staff, and refrain from impeding the convention proceedings .
While several governors and party organs now appear unified, the South East caucus remains cautious. Enugu PDP Chairman Dr Martin Chukwunweike revealed that they have yet to formally embrace the NEC decision and plan to deliberate further .
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki lauded the NEC meeting as a victory for democracy and collective unity, stating, “There was no victor and no vanquished. The winner today is the PDP. Another winner is Nigeria’s democracy…” .
