The battle over the position of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as the Concerned People’s Democratic League (CPDPL) reaffirmed its support for Senator Samuel Nnameka Anyanwu, insisting that he remains the legitimate occupant of the office.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, CPDPL’s apex leader, Co Daboikiabo Z. Warmate, accused some PDP leaders of attempting to unlawfully remove Anyanwu, alleged a conspiracy to destabilize the party.
He singled out Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunlagba, National Legal Adviser Kamaladin Ajibade (SAN), and suspended PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, accusing them of violating the party’s constitution to serve personal interests.
Warmate also alleged that Wabara manipulated the BoT list by adding Sunday Udeh Okoye, which he claimed led to an invasion of the PDP National Secretariat by political thugs. He described Wabara’s actions as part of a broader scheme to create instability within the PDP.
According to him, Anyanwu’s refusal to resign as National Secretary, despite pressure, aligns with Section 47(5) of the PDP Constitution. Warmate emphasized that a Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order on January 9, 2024, restraining any attempts to remove Anyanwu, a ruling that remains valid as it has not been stayed or appealed.
He criticized an Enugu High Court ruling of October 25, 2023, which declared Anyanwu’s seat vacant, arguing that the decision was based on misinformation. He also condemned a subsequent Court of Appeal ruling on December 20, 2024, which upheld the High Court’s judgment, stating that Anyanwu had since obtained a stay of execution from the Court of Appeal in Abuja, pending further legal proceedings.
“Despite this legal clarity, self-serving actions persist, with some Senior Advocates twisting the law to advance their interests,” Warmate said.
He further accused Ugochinyere and other party officials of orchestrating propaganda against Anyanwu. “They have resorted to backdoor tactics, hiring known propagandists to mislead the public and disrupt the party,” he stated.
Warmate also criticized Wabara’s tenure as BoT Chairman, alleging that he had failed to unite party elders and preside over legitimate meetings.
The CPDPL called on PDP members to reject what it described as an “illegal takeover” and to rally behind Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary. It commended the PDP National Chairman for his leadership and assured that attempts to destabilize the party would not succeed.
“We insist that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the authentic PDP National Secretary in line with the party’s constitution and existing laws,” Warmate concluded.
