PDP crisis: Senator ANYANWU insists his signature on convention letter was forged

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday, as its National Secretary, Sen Samuel Anyanwu, insisted that his signature was forged on the official letter notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

However, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has dismissed the forgery allegation, describing it as “spurious, mischievous and false.”

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, assured that internal issues within the party were being resolved amicably as a family affair, emphasizing that the party remains united and fully prepared for its forthcoming national convention.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that Anyanwu personally signed all letters related to the convention, including the one to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the full glare of party leaders, state governors and members of the NWC.

According to Ologunagba, the letters were signed hours before the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25, in the presence of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Adeleke and others.

He explained that Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), even confirmed during the NEC meeting that all necessary documents, including the letter to INEC, had been duly signed by the National Secretary.

He, however, urged the security agencies to investigate a “false claim of forgery,” warning that if the allegation is found to be untrue, the party would have no choice but to sanction Anyanwu for misconduct.

Adeleke made this known in Abuja after presiding over the inaugural meeting of the Accommodation Sub-Committee of the PDP National Convention Committee. The governor serves as Deputy Chairman of the Convention and Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

He said all arrangements had been finalised for a smooth and successful convention scheduled for October 15 and 16, stressing that the PDP maintains a long-standing culture of internal organization and respect for due process.

“We have just concluded the inaugural meeting of the Accommodation Sub-Committee. Everyone was present, and we have resolved all outstanding issues to ensure the convention proceeds smoothly. We believe it will be very successful,” Adeleke told journalists after the meeting.

Reacting to reports of divisions within the party, Adeleke dismissed claims of crisis, saying: “I can assure you that we are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to garnish the matter. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.”

On reports of defections by some members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor said such movements were normal in politics and would not weaken the PDP’s structure or influence.

Adeleke also clarified that his attendance at social events hosted by APC members should not be misinterpreted as a move to defect.

“If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them,” he said.