Southwest PDP Stakeholders Forum Insists Senator Anyanwu is Authentic National Chairman
ABUJA/Nigeria: A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the South West Stakeholders Forum, has reaffirmed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the legitimate National Chairman of the party, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that resolved the dispute over the position.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Alhaji Kola Ajayi, the coordinator of the South West PDP Stakeholders Forum, emphasized that the Supreme Court ruling was clear and unequivocal, dismissing any claims to the position by other party members. Ajayi attributed confusion surrounding the issue to biased interpretations made by individuals with personal or political motives.
“The recent development concerning the position of the National Secretary is troubling. However, we believe there is no crisis over this matter. Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the authentic National Secretary of the PDP. Any claim to the contrary is invalid and an attempt to mislead the public,” Ajayi declared.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court’s ruling had unequivocally validated Senator Anyanwu’s position, and, as a result, the forum does not recognize Hon. Sunday Ude Okoye or anyone acting in an interim capacity, such as Arc. Setonji Koshedo, as legitimate holders of the office.
The statement further criticized the leadership of the PDP for failing to effectively implement the Supreme Court’s decision, which has contributed to the ongoing confusion. “The misunderstanding stems from the party’s leadership not being firm in carrying out the Supreme Court ruling,” Ajayi said.
The South West Stakeholders Forum also called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to maintain the status quo by allowing Senator Anyanwu to continue in office until the current NWC term ends. The forum warned that any attempt to disrupt this arrangement would only exacerbate existing tensions within the party.
As the national convention approaches, the forum urged the party leadership to focus on internal reconciliation and to avoid actions that could deepen divisions ahead of the 2027 general election. Ajayi expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger after the convention, paving the way for a more united and revitalized party in the coming years.
“We are optimistic that, after the national convention, the PDP will be better positioned for success in the 2027 elections,” he concluded.
