Opposition lawmakers have raised alarm over moves by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, to secretly send a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the aim of undermining the acting secretary of the party, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo, and aborting the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27.
Spokesman of the opposition lawmakers who operate under the Nigeria’s Opposition lawmakers coalition, Representative Imo Ugochinyere while making reference to recent developments in the party said Sen. Anyawu’s removal was formalised by INEC and PDP NWC and the commission has accepted nomination of the PDP Anambra guber candidate letters signed by Damagum and the new acting secretary Koshoedo.
Recall that on Sunday night PDP governors met, proposing the way forward for the party amid its internal crisis. On Monday however despite the acting National Secretary of the party, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo, assuming office last week, Samuel Anyanwu resumed duty.
Anyanwu, alongside the embattled acting National Chairman of PDP, Amb. Illya Damagum, at the deadline yesterday, submitted the names of the party’s candidates for the Anambra State governorship election, slated to hold in November, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In the letter dated May 7, 2025, with reference number PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.13/24-065, addressed to National Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, PDP listed Ezenwafor Jude. C as its governorship candidate in Anambra, with Hon. Okene Francis Chukwudi as the running mate.
But, Ugochinyere in a statement disclosed the initial letters signed by Damagum and the “authentic” acting National Secretary, Koshoedo.
The party in separate letters dated May 5th and May 7, addressed to INEC read in parts, “We write to formally inform the Commission that the leadership of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 600th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, resolved and directed that the Deputy National Secretary (DNS), Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo assumed Office as Acting National Secretary till further notice.
This Resolution and Directive is pursuant to Sections 29 (2) and 36 (2) of our Constitution as amended in 2017. We shall continue to update the Commission in this regard. We therefore wish to officially request that the Commission update its records to reflect this change and please accord the Ag. National Secretary, Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo all the necessary support to perform his Constitutional duties.
The Commission should please acknowledge receipt and implementation of this letter. While thanking you for your §_cooperation, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
“Submission of name of candidate particulars forms : EC-9 EC-9B EC-13B of candidate particulars forms : EC-9 EC-9B EC-13B for the Anambra State Gubernatorial election Scheduled for November 08 2025.
“We write to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that EZENWAFOR JUDE C, is the Peoples Democratic Party’s(POP’s) Gubematonal Candidate for the November 08. 2025 Anambra State Gubernatorial Election.
“Having emerged winner of the Party’s Gubernatorial Primary in Anambra State monitored by the Commission. Please be also informed that Hon. Okeke Francis Chukwudi is Ezenwafor Jude’s running mate.
“We hereby forward the Credentials / Particulars: Forms EC-9,EC0B and EC-13B, of both the candidate and running mate. Your cooperation in this regard will be highly appreciated. Kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and accept the assurances of our highest esteem and regards.”
He hailed the PDP NWC, Koshoedo, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah for slamming the door against the traitors, saying that preparations are in top gear for the appointment of a Nominee for Substantive Secretary from the South East.
He reiterated his call for the sack of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, alleging that they sabotaged the party from within.
