It’s a well known fact that the ongoing PDP leadership crisis is largely orchestrated by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the ousted National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who are doing the biddings of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The crisis has been fueled by the continuous postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which has hindered efforts to remove Damagum as the acting National Chairman, and for the North Central Zone to assume its rightful position of producing a replacement for Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
All these issues raised oncerns that both Damagum and Anyanwu are working hands in glove with the ruling APC to undermine the PDP’s chances in 2027.
Furthermore, Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s continued stay as PDP National Secretary, after his removal by an appeal court is also hindering the party’s chances in 2027.
The battle for the national secretary position has turned into a high-stakes political showdown, which could shape the future of the opposition party ahead of the next elections.
Anyanwu’s refusal to step down has created divisions within the party, with some members supporting him and others backing Rt Hon SKE Ude-Okoye, the authentic National Secretary in line with Court rulings .
This infighting which is fueled and funded by an APC Minister is distracting from the party’s efforts to prepare for the 2027 elections and could ultimately harm the chances of winning more seats at the National Assembly, more state governors and the presidency.
The leadership crisis is also affecting the party’s ability to make key decisions and take decisive actions. The continuous postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is a testament to this. The NEC meeting is crucial in addressing the party’s internal issues and charting a course for the 2027 elections.
Overall, Damagum and Anyanwu’s continued stay in office is exacerbating the PDP’s internal conflicts, which could have severe consequences for the party’s chances in 2027.
