The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, over a recent directive asking Senator Samuel Anyanwu to resume office as National Secretary.
Wike, speaking at a political gathering in Abuja on Wednesday, described Damagum’s move as “unauthorised and contemptuous,” insisting that Anyanwu’s return to the position was not backed by due process or consensus within the party leadership.
“You cannot just wake up and order someone to resume a position when there are unresolved legal and internal party matters surrounding the issue,” Wike said, referring to ongoing disputes over Anyanwu’s dual role as PDP National Secretary and former gubernatorial candidate in Imo State.
The former Rivers State governor accused Damagum of taking sides in the deepening internal crisis, warning that such actions could further destabilize the already fragile unity within the opposition party.
Anyanwu had stepped aside to contest the Imo governorship election in 2023, after which questions arose over whether he should retain his national executive position. His recent move to reclaim the office has reignited tensions between rival factions within the PDP.
Party insiders say Wike’s camp is opposed to Anyanwu’s return, citing both political and procedural concerns, while others loyal to Damagum argue that the PDP constitution permits such reinstatement after a leave of absence.
The development underscores ongoing power tussles within the PDP, as the party continues to grapple with internal realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of press time, Damagum has not publicly responded to Wike’s remarks, but sources within the PDP National Secretariat say consultations are ongoing to defuse the tension.
About The Author
