Samuel Anyanwu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and suspended its planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30.

Announcing the decision at the party’s Abuja secretariat today, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum said the move followed INEC’s advice and internal consultations. An expanded National Caucus meeting will now be held on June 30 in place of the NEC session.

Damagum admitted the decision was difficult but necessary to comply with party procedures and avert further complications with INEC, which declined to recognise previous NEC notifications not co-signed by the National Secretary.

The leadership tussle between Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye had deepened internal rifts within the PDP. However, a fact-finding panel led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu confirmed INEC still recognises Anyanwu.

Damagum urged members to prioritise party unity ahead of key elections, describing the move as a “bitter pill” made in the interest of PDP’s survival.