Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Party Crisis, Demand Return to Constitutional Order
Abuja – June 9, 2025
Prominent stakeholders and concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened in Abuja on Monday, June 9, 2025, to address the deepening crisis within the party and chart a path toward restoring internal democracy, equity, and justice.
The meeting, which drew participants from across Nigeria’s 36 states, focused on the urgent need to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and uphold the rule of law to avert what was described as an impending collapse of the party structure.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders expressed serious concern over what they termed “a seemingly intractable crisis” fueled by the refusal of certain individuals to comply with the PDP Constitution — citing Sections 36(1)(a–c), 47(3)(5), and 48(1)(i) — as well as a binding Supreme Court judgment concerning the office of the National Secretary.
The group warned that unless urgent action is taken to counter what it called “desperate, divisive, and selfish tendencies,” the party could be headed toward “self-annihilation,” similar to the internal fractures that undermined its performance during the 2023 general elections.
The communiqué noted that these divisive actions have permeated key party organs, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Resolutions
Following deliberations, the PDP Eminent Stakeholders and Concerned Leaders resolved as follows:
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Recognition of Senator Sam Anyanwu
The group reaffirmed Senator Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of the party in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment and the party’s constitution. -
Zoning of 2027 Presidential Ticket
In the interest of fairness and in adherence to the federal character principle, the stakeholders called on the party to officially zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This, they said, would help restore balance after years of northern presidency under Muhammadu Buhari. -
Authority to Issue Party Notices
It was emphasized that only the National Secretary, as stipulated in the PDP Constitution, is authorized to issue notices for meetings of the National Convention, NEC, National Caucus, and NWC. Any notices or actions taken without his endorsement, including communications with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were declared null and void. -
Security of Office
The stakeholders stated that Senator Anyanwu can only be removed from office by a properly constituted National Convention, reaffirming his status as a statutory member of the NEC. -
Call for Joint INEC Communication
The group demanded that the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary jointly issue a formal notice to INEC, including the agenda for an NEC meeting, which they described as the only lawful avenue to address the current impasse.
Commitment to Party Stability
The stakeholders concluded by affirming their loyalty to the PDP and their commitment to upholding the rule of law and the party’s constitutional mandates. They also pledged support for the National Reconciliation Committee led by former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, urging unity in restoring the party’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections.
