Breaking: Factions Reconcile as NEC Reinstates Anyanwu Ahead of 2027 Elections

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Firstsitenews- The 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, marking a significant step toward unifying the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to exclusive findings by The PUNCH, Anyanwu’s return was unanimously endorsed by NEC members on the condition that he withdraws all pending court cases and pledges not to interfere with preparations for the upcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for August.

Party insiders revealed that the resolution was a product of collective agreement by PDP governors, National Assembly members, and the Board of Trustees. As part of the deal, Anyanwu must also refrain from victimising party staff and commit to working in harmony with the National Working Committee (NWC).

Confirming the development after Monday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum announced that the 101st NEC meeting would hold on July 23 to finalise plans for the national convention.

The PDP has faced prolonged internal strife since its 2023 presidential election loss, with deepening divisions among top leadership. The crisis worsened after the party formally wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 24 regarding the National Secretary’s position.

On Sunday, Damagum held a closed-door meeting at Wadata Plaza with Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Vice Chairman (North West) Senator Bello Gwarzo, and two other NWC members. The group reaffirmed their recognition of Anyanwu and called for an expanded National Caucus meeting.

Meanwhile, a rival NWC faction led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and including several key officers such as Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo insisted the NEC meeting must proceed as scheduled and rejected Anyanwu’s reinstatement.

The division reflects a broader struggle for control within the PDP. One camp, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and supported by Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), opposed Anyanwu’s return and backed Koshoedo’s continued role.

Conversely, the faction loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, which includes Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), supported Anyanwu and advocated for a delay in the NEC meeting.

The party’s internal rift came to a head on Monday, as both factions scheduled parallel meetings at Wadata Plaza, prompting increased tension. Security agencies cordoned off the premises, forcing the PDP Board of Trustees to move its planned meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

In response, the BoT strongly condemned the security clampdown, describing it as intimidation and a deliberate attempt to derail the party’s reconciliation efforts amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

With Anyanwu’s reinstatement and the NEC's renewed push for unity, party leaders are now focused on regrouping for a strong challenge in the 2027 elections.