Anambra gov’ship: PDP clarifies signatories on INEC correspondence

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that the nomination form submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its Anambra governorship candidate was signed by the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo. In a statement issued Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party […]

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that the nomination form submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its Anambra governorship candidate was signed by the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo.

In a statement issued Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party explained that its Constitution empowers the Deputy National Secretary to act in the capacity of National Secretary when so directed by the NWC.

Ologunagba said the form, which was uploaded to INEC’s portal, bore a date and timestamp confirming that it was duly signed by both Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and Acting National Secretary, Koshoedo.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the nomination form for the PDP candidate in the Anambra State governorship election was signed by the duly authorised signatories of the party: the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum, and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo,” the statement read.

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The party referenced a letter with reference number PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-065, dated Wednesday, May 7, 2025, which was submitted to INEC alongside the nomination documents.

Citing the 2017 amendment to its Constitution, the PDP said Section 36 (2) clearly empowers the Deputy National Secretary “to act as National Secretary whenever so directed.” The NWC invoked this provision in a resolution at its 600th meeting, which was formally conveyed to INEC in a letter dated May 5, 2025 (ref: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.IF/25-061), and co-signed by Damagum and Koshoedo.

“It is also evident from the date and time stamp on the nomination page on INEC’s portal that the Commission relied on documents duly co-signed by Damagum and Koshoedo,” the statement reiterated.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that both Damagum and the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had signed the INEC correspondence regarding the Anambra election. The controversy followed remarks by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who threatened legal action if the documents were not signed by Anyanwu.

Responding to the claims, the PDP accused unnamed individuals of circulating a forged letter intended to sow confusion within the party.

“The report is not only misleading but also false and apparently scripted to mislead the public and create disaffection within our party,” the NWC stated.

“While reassuring the public of the integrity of our internal processes, the NWC calls on all members of the PDP to remain steadfast and focused, particularly as we prepare for our upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Convention,” the statement added.

 

Party may die before 2027 election — Suswam

Meanwhile, a former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has warned that the PDP could cease to exist before the 2027 general elections if the party’s leadership fails to address its ongoing internal crises.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam noted two major sources of the PDP’s current instability: the unresolved battle over the national secretary position and the escalating rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Senator Suswam likened the party’s situation to being in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with a survival chance contingent on timely and effective intervention.

He said, “Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks. For now, I would say that PDP is in ICU. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”

He noted that many party members are growing disillusioned and are keenly watching the unfolding developments.