PDP Crisis Deepens as ADC Rises

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again battling internal upheaval after its National Executive Committee (NEC) reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as acting National Secretary—a decision that has drawn sharp rebuke from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp. Accusing the ruling APC of engineering the move to destabilize the opposition, Atiku’s allies warn that the PDP may be walking into a political trap. As Nigeria’s 2027 election looms and a new ADC-led coalition emerges, the party faces what could be its most defining moment yet. This report is by Segun Awoniyi, political analyst and columnist.

- Segun Awoniyi, political analyst and columnist.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged deeper into crisis following the National Executive Committee's (NEC) controversial endorsement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as acting National Secretary. The decision, announced during the NEC’s 100th meeting in Abuja on July 1, has sparked fierce backlash from the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who allege the move plays into a “trap” set by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to cripple the PDP from within.

The NEC's resolution comes at a time when cracks in Nigeria's main opposition party have widened, leading to the formation of a new opposition bloc centered on the African Democratic Congress (ADC). That development, announced in Abuja just a day later, raises the stakes in what is fast becoming a definitive battle for the soul of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NEC Moves to End Confusion—But Fuels New Firestorm

The NEC, presided over by acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, reaffirmed Senator Anyanwu’s position as acting National Secretary. Damagun, citing inputs from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the party had reached a unanimous decision to maintain Anyanwu in the position. According to him, the meeting was necessary to end months of uncertainty.

Observers noted that the NEC meeting, which took place behind closed doors, aimed to provide clarity on who controls the party's administrative machinery heading into another election cycle. On the surface, the decision was meant to settle lingering questions over Anyanwu’ eligibility, but it has instead triggered sharp accusations and escalated internal divisions.

The Anyanwu Imbroglio: A Constitutional Minefield