The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened ahead of its November 15 convention in Ibadan following a forgery allegation by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Anyanwu, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleged that his signature was forged on an official letter sent to the electoral body regarding the upcoming national convention.
According to the petition dated October 15, 2025, Anyanwu claimed the letter, purportedly signed by both him and the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, was “fabricated without his consent.”
The letter, dated August 25, 2025, and received by INEC on August 29, allegedly notified the commission of the PDP’s readiness to hold its national convention in Ibadan.
Forgery Allegation and Legal Fallout
Anyanwu described the development as “shocking and criminal,” calling for a full investigation and prosecution of those involved.
“My attention has been drawn to an official letter to INEC, dated August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me. Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me,” he stated in the petition titled “Petition against forgery and cloning of my signature.”
He further alleged that some party officials may have collaborated with individuals within INEC to forge his signature.
“If allowed to stand, this act would undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the PDP’s internal democracy,” he warned.
Party insiders revealed that former Senate President Bukola Saraki had reportedly led a delegation to persuade Anyanwu to sign the letter after the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting a claim Anyanwu has denied.
The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), with at least 14 members signing a letter demanding the removal of the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Ajibade has been at loggerheads with Damagum over legal representation in a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the convention.
Although Damagum appointed Chief Chris Uche (SAN) to represent the party, Ajibade countered that such authority rests solely with his office as the party’s legal adviser.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, ordered both lawyers to present documentary evidence of their authorisation and directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the court’s determination.
Party sources linked the latest rift to the lingering power tussle between allies of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the PDP Governors’ Forum.
While the governors have begun preparations for the convention, a group of state chairmen has accused the NWC of breaching the party’s constitution and internal guidelines.
The development further complicates efforts to restore unity within the opposition party, already fractured by legal disputes, leadership battles, and conflicting court orders.
As tensions rise, analysts say the unfolding drama could determine whether the PDP emerges stronger or more divided after the Ibadan convention.
A 9am News report notes that the deepening rift, marked by allegations of forgery and leadership conflicts, threatens to derail the party’s bid to rebuild ahead of the 2027 elections.
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