The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed allegations of signature forgery raised by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and called on the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to investigate the matter.
The NWC insisted that Anyanwu personally signed the letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission announcing the party’s forthcoming national convention in November, in the presence of governors, NWC members, and other senior officials.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on behalf of the NWC, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that Anyanwu signed several official letters, including the one notifying INEC of the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“People can have alternative propaganda and twist stories, but there is no alternative to facts,” Ologunagba said. “Interestingly, the alleged forgery has been reported to security agencies, namely the DSS and the police. We expect a proper investigation because forgery is a serious crime, and anyone behind falsehoods should have their day with the law.”
He recalled that during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting, Anyanwu was present—listed as number four on the attendance register—while INEC was also fully represented.
The NEC, he said, approved the timetable for the 2025 Elective National Convention, slated for November 15–16, and directed both the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Anyanwu, to formally notify INEC in line with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to Ologunagba, NEC had earlier approved the composition of the National Convention Organising Committee and the Zoning Committee at its July 24 meeting. The letters, he said, were duly signed on August 25, hours before the 102nd NEC meeting.
He added that the signing took place in the presence of key figures, including Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), as well as former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Minister Tanimu Turaki.
Ologunagba said,“At that meeting, four letters were signed by Senator Anyanwu and the Chairman in the presence of these leaders—one of which was the INEC notification letter for the convention. Others included letters on the composition of the Convention Committee and notices of repeat congresses in Anambra, Ebonyi, and the South-East.”
He described Anyanwu’s forgery claim as a deliberate attempt to derail the convention, insisting that the Secretary later acted on those same letters in his capacity as Subcommittee Secretary for Contact and Mobilization of the Convention Committee.
“He even issued letters to members of his subcommittee—one to his personal aide, Hon. Arthur—which were duly acknowledged. So, at what point, 50 days later, did these letters become forged documents?” he queried.
“There are legal consequences for deliberately misleading security agencies into a wild goose chase. But we welcome the investigation and are confident the truth will prevail.”
The controversy adds to mounting tension within the PDP as it prepares for its November convention.
Despite the party’s resolution to host the event in Ibadan, discontent persists among loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who are dissatisfied with the leadership of acting National Chairman, Damagum.
Their grievances revolve around unresolved leadership tussles in the South-South, disputes over control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, and disagreements on micro-zoning arrangements for elective positions ahead of the convention.
These divisions have now spilled into the courts. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna, alongside South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George, accused the Damagum-led NWC of violating the party’s constitution and internal election rules.
The case, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 following a dispute over who had the legal mandate to represent the PDP.
The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) both claimed to be the legitimate counsel, prompting the judge to order proof of authorisation before the next hearing on October 20.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated October 16, 14 NWC members reaffirmed the decision to remove Ajibade and appoint Uche as acting Legal Adviser. Ajibade, however, insisted he remains the legitimate officer, arguing that only a national convention has the authority to remove him.
In a related twist, Senator Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, INEC, and the DSS, denying that he signed the August 29 letter and calling for a probe into party leaders.
However, with the NWC refuting his claims and calling for an investigation, the controversy has deepened uncertainty around the PDP’s convention, amid fears that internal rifts, forgery allegations, and legal battles could derail preparations for the party’s leadership transition.
