The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently engulfed in a severe internal dispute, characterized by mounting tensions and grave accusations. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, has officially reported to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his signature was forged on a crucial document. This revelation intensifies the turmoil as the PDP gears up for its national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In formal complaints dated October 15 and received the next day, Anyanwu categorically rejected any involvement in authorizing or signing a letter dated August 29, 2025, which purportedly addressed INEC regarding the convention’s logistical arrangements. He labeled the document a forgery and called on security agencies to carry out a comprehensive probe to identify and prosecute those behind the fraudulent act.
In a letter addressed to INEC titled “Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature,” Anyanwu stated: “I have come across a letter referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol. 1M/25-140, allegedly bearing my signature. I unequivocally deny signing or approving this letter and was completely unaware of its existence. It is deeply concerning to find a counterfeit or cloned signature on such a significant document.”
He appealed to the IGP and DSS to investigate and hold accountable any individuals within the PDP and their collaborators inside INEC who orchestrated this deceitful act.
These petitions, obtained by PUNCH Online, emerge amid intensifying factional struggles over leadership control and zoning arrangements ahead of the national convention. The discord has fractured the National Working Committee (NWC) and triggered multiple legal battles.
The internal conflict within the PDP is especially intense between supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the faction aligned with Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum. The dispute revolves around influence in the South-South geopolitical zone, control over party structures in states such as Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau, as well as disagreements concerning the micro-zoning framework for forthcoming elections.
Compounding the party’s instability, three officials-Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia), and Turnah Alabah George (South-South Zonal Secretary)-have initiated legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja to halt the convention. In case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, they accuse the Damagum-led NWC of breaching the party’s constitution and internal regulations.
During a court session presided over by Justice James Omotosho, proceedings were stalled due to a dispute over the legitimate legal representation of the PDP. Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Kamaldeen Ajibade and Chief Chris Uche, both claimed to be the party’s counsel. The judge instructed them to provide evidence of their authorization before the main hearing, which was postponed to October 20.
Further complicating the situation, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 NWC members confirmed the removal of the party’s National Legal Adviser on grounds of compromised integrity and appointed Chief Uche (SAN) as his successor. However, Ajibade maintains that he remains the rightful Legal Adviser, emphasizing that only a national convention has the authority to remove him.
With these fresh forgery allegations and ongoing investigations by law enforcement and security agencies, the PDP’s national convention faces potential disruption or delay, deepening the divisions within Nigeria’s foremost opposition party.