Crisis Erupts in PDP as Anyanwu Disowns Alleged Forged Signature

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accused some party officials of forging his signature on a document sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The allegation has been formally reported to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police, and INEC, sparking further tension ahead of the party’s planned national convention.

In petitions dated October 15 and submitted the next day, Anyanwu denied signing the August 29 letter addressed to INEC concerning the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He described the letter as fake and requested a full investigation and prosecution of those behind the act.

The issue comes amid deep internal conflict in the PDP, as supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, continue to clash with the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

The dispute covers control of party structures across several states, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau, and disagreements over the zoning arrangement for the upcoming convention.

These tensions have already led to a court case seeking to stop the convention. The case, filed by PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, along with the party’s South-South Zonal Secretary, accuses the Damagum-led National Working Committee of violating internal election guidelines.

At a recent court session in Abuja, confusion arose over who was legally authorized to represent the party, with two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade, both claiming to be the PDP’s counsel. The judge has since adjourned the hearing to October 20 and directed both lawyers to submit proof of their authorization.

Meanwhile, 14 members of the PDP National Working Committee reportedly reaffirmed the decision to remove the party’s National Legal Adviser and appoint Chief Uche as his replacement. However, Ajibade insisted he still holds the position, arguing that only a national convention has the power to remove him.

In his petitions to the IGP, DSS, and INEC, Anyanwu maintained that he never signed or approved the controversial document, describing it as a criminal forgery. He urged the security agencies to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

The controversy adds to the growing instability within the opposition party, raising concerns over whether the PDP can hold its convention as planned next month.