The 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unanimously reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary on the condition that he withdrew all legal cases and does not obstruct the forthcoming National Elective Convention slated for August.
Dependable sources within the PDP National Headquarters, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, disclosed that the governors, members of the National Assembly, and the Board of Trustees collectively agreed to reinstate Anyanwu provided he refrained from victimising any party staff and commits to working harmoniously with all members of the National Working Committee.
Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, confirmed that Anyanwu had been officially reinstated.
Damagum said the 101st NEC meeting had been scheduled for July 23 to finalise arrangements for the upcoming national convention.
The PDP has been struggling with internal conflicts since the 2023 presidential election, which have significantly impacted all arms of the party.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Damagum confidently stated that the PDP possessed internal mechanisms strong enough to resolve all its internal crises.
He stated, “I am here to brief you on the outcome of our interaction with NEC as regards the National Secretary. We’ve all combined in one, we were all together, and we all agree that Senator Anyanwu will continue to act as National Secretary.
“And also to bring the issue of the convention — to bring it up in the next NEC, which is slated for the 23rd of July.
“At that time, we will be able to convene a proper NEC, where myself and Senator Anyanwu will sign, which is to fulfill the regulatory requirement of INEC in convening meetings.
“So, to our detractors who thought this meeting would go on course or perhaps be the end of the party, the beauty of the Peoples Democratic Party is that it is the only party in this country that has and knows the internal mechanism to solve its own problems and run freely.
“As you can see, all our governors attended the meeting; all members of the NWC were on the same page. You will not be seeing all these press releases and counter press releases.”
The source, however, revealed to our correspondent that Anyanwu was reinstated in the interest of the party based on certain conditions.
He stated, “It was a very intense meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, and Anyanwu was in attendance. After honest deliberations, it was firmly resolved that in line with the PDP Constitution, the appropriate meeting to hold today (Monday) was the NEC meeting.
“It was also agreed that judging by INEC’s body language, the party could face serious consequences if Anyanwu is not recognized as the National Secretary.
“Therefore, it was unanimously decided to proceed to Wadata Plaza for the NEC meeting, where Anyanwu would be officially reinstated as National Secretary, and a follow-up NEC meeting was scheduled for July 23rd.
“As for the South East, their representatives said they would take the development back to the region for wider consultation and provide feedback at the 101st NEC meeting.
“Part of the agreement reached was that Anyanwu must sign an undertaking to immediately withdraw all court cases related to his position in the PDP National Working Committee, and that no party staff member would face any form of victimization.
“It was further resolved that Anyanwu must not, under any circumstances, interfere with or obstruct the process of the upcoming National Convention, and must adhere strictly to the party’s constitution.”