PDP in Turmoil Again as Saraki’s Panel Reignites Leadership Tussle with Anyanwu Endorsement

The Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee’s move to endorse Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has triggered renewed tension within the party.

According to sources cited by The Punch, the decision has unsettled the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), and other key stakeholders, many of whom felt sidelined in the process.

A senior PDP figure, who requested anonymity, revealed that the South-East caucus, BoT Chairman, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and some NWC members were displeased with Saraki’s unilateral endorsement of Anyanwu without broader consultations.

“There’s growing discontent over Saraki’s handling of the matter. He met with only a few NWC members and went ahead with Anyanwu’s endorsement without consulting the full committee, the NWC, or the governors who appointed him to the panel,” the source said.

“Governors like Makinde, Mbah, Lawal, and Diri feel undermined. It appears as if their authority is being challenged, and the party’s unity is being compromised for the interests of a few individuals,” the source added.

He further noted that peace had largely prevailed in the party since Koshoedo was nominated and approved as National Secretary by both the governors and the NWC—until Saraki’s controversial meeting reignited discord.

“What these leaders want is unity and the protection of the South-East’s interest, which had made the nomination. They expect due process to be followed, not backdoor arrangements,” the source emphasized.

Another PDP chieftain confirmed that the name of Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s acting scribe.

“As of Wednesday, Koshoedo’s name was forwarded to INEC. He remains the recognised secretary. I’m unaware of any alternate arrangement,” the insider said.

Additional party sources corroborated that Saraki’s endorsement of Anyanwu was poorly received among influential party figures.