*as Wike Reportedly Moves to Frustrate Makinde’s Ibadan Convention Ambition
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has dismissed the allegation of signature forgery made by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, insisting that he personally endorsed the official correspondence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the forthcoming national convention.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party was surprised by Senator Anyanwu’s claim, describing it as “false, unfounded, and against verifiable evidence.”
According to Ologunagba, the documents in question—including the letter notifying INEC of the national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State—were signed by Anyanwu “in the full presence of governors, NWC members, and other top party stakeholders.”
He said, “Senator Anyanwu personally signed the letter to INEC announcing our national convention. This was done just hours before the 102nd National Executive Committee meeting held on August 25. The process was transparent, witnessed by several members of the party leadership.”
The PDP spokesperson listed those present during the signing to include Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. Also in attendance were former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Ologunagba added that during the August NEC meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed—who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum—confirmed that all relevant letters, including those to INEC, had been duly signed by the National Secretary.
He stated, “Governor Bala Mohammed attested during the NEC session that every letter related to the convention had been properly endorsed by the National Secretary. There was no forgery, no impersonation, and no procedural breach whatsoever.”
Party sources described Anyanwu’s recent forgery accusation as a “desperate attempt to discredit the leadership” ahead of the convention, which is expected to set the tone for the PDP’s preparations towards the 2027 general elections.
The PDP has reaffirmed its commitment to holding a credible and transparent convention, emphasising that internal cohesion remains a top priority.
Ologunagba maintained, “Our focus is on rebuilding trust among members, strengthening our internal democracy, and positioning the PDP as the true alternative for Nigerians come 2027.”
The party’s convention is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, the first time such an event will be hosted in the South-West, a region many see as crucial to Nigeria’s political future.
