The recently reinstated National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has dismissed discussions of a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and urged party members to focus on strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Anyanwu, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, emphasized that the party’s internal crisis had been resolved and called on members involved in coalition talks to reconsider and work towards rebuilding the PDP.
His comments come in response to last week’s announcement of a coalition involving Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Anyanwu, however, downplayed the significance of the coalition, stating he was unaware of such plans and reaffirmed that the PDP remained a formidable force.
Anyanwu’s reinstatement follows months of legal battles over the PDP National Secretary position. The dispute intensified after the South-East nominated Sunday Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested the 2023 Imo governorship election.
While an Appeal Court ruling in December 2024 favored Ude-Okoye, the Supreme Court overturned the decision on Friday, reinstating Anyanwu and asserting that party leadership issues should be handled internally.
Reacting to the ruling, Anyanwu expressed relief and urged party leaders to move forward.
“The Supreme Court has settled this matter, and I hold no grudges against anyone. Now is the time for us to unite and reposition the PDP,” he said.
Anyanwu dismissed reports of the PDP’s involvement in any coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027. He insisted that the party was focused on strengthening its structure rather than merging with others.
“The PDP is not part of any coalition; we have not been invited to any meetings. The PDP remains strong at the local, ward, and state levels. Instead of discussing coalitions, we should be strengthening our party,” he stated.
Some PDP leaders, including members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), have called for unity and reconciliation following the leadership crisis.
A senior NEC member, who spoke anonymously, urged all stakeholders, including governors and Board of Trustees (BoT) members, to support the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The Supreme Court has ruled, and we must accept it. If we continue fighting, the party’s image will suffer,” the source said.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, also emphasized the need for healing.
“This is not about winners or losers. We are one family, and it’s time to move forward,” Osadolor stated.
As the PDP navigates its internal challenges, attention remains on whether the party can consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 elections or if further divisions will weaken its prospects.
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