In a high-stakes gathering at his Abuja residence, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, hosted an emergency meeting with key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) drawn from the 36 states and the FCT. The closed-door session, which lasted late into the night, centered on the contentious issue of the party’s National Secretary position, with Wike firmly endorsing Samuel Anyanwu’s continued tenure.
Addressing the assembly of party chieftains, Wike asserted that the Supreme Court had unequivocally recognized Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP. He urged those agitating for Anyanwu’s removal to exercise patience and channel their grievances through the proper party channels at the forthcoming national convention slated for later this year. “The court has spoken, and as a party, we must respect the rule of law. Any attempt to circumvent this is an affront to our democratic principles,” Wike declared, his voice resonating with authority.
The minister’s defense of Anyanwu was rooted in a broader argument about party precedent and constitutional fidelity. He pointed to several instances where PDP leaders had contested elections without relinquishing their party positions. Notably, Wike cited the case of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who retained his role as state party chairman while running for governor in 2023, only stepping down after securing victory at the polls. “If Kefas could hold his position during his campaign, why should Anyanwu be treated differently?” Wike questioned, challenging the room to reflect on the consistency of the party’s internal rules.
Wike also referenced historical examples within the PDP, including cases from the 2015 and 2019 election cycles, where party officials contested various offices without vacating their roles. He argued that Anyanwu’s decision to run for the Imo State governorship in 2023 while serving as National Secretary was well within the party’s constitutional framework. “Our constitution is clear. It does not mandate resignation in such circumstances, and we cannot rewrite the rules to suit personal agendas,” he stated emphatically.
The meeting, attended by a mix of serving governors, former party chairmen, and influential PDP elders, was described by sources as intense but productive. Wike, known for his political astuteness, emphasized the need for unity within the PDP, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s prospects in future elections. “The PDP is bigger than any individual. We must honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers by upholding the integrity of our constitution,” he said, invoking the legacy of the party’s early architects.
While some stakeholders expressed concerns about the optics of Anyanwu’s dual roles, Wike’s arguments appeared to sway many in the room. He called for a renewed commitment to party discipline and urged members to focus on strengthening the PDP’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. “This is not the time for factionalism. We must close ranks and rebuild our party to reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria’s political landscape,” he rallied.
As the meeting concluded, Wike reiterated his unwavering support for Anyanwu, describing him as a “dedicated and capable leader” whose contributions to the PDP remained invaluable. The minister’s stance has sparked mixed reactions within the party, with some hailing his commitment to due process and others viewing it as a power play to assert influence over the PDP’s national leadership.
The outcome of the Abuja summit is expected to shape the PDP’s internal dynamics in the months leading to its national convention. For now, Wike’s vocal defense of Anyanwu has reaffirmed his status as a formidable force within the party, even as debates over the National Secretary’s position continue to simmer.
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