The ongoing power struggle within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged the opposition party into a deeper crisis as it approaches its highly anticipated national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The internal discord, characterized by conflicting decisions, allegations of unconstitutional actions, and factional loyalties, threatens to undermine the party’s unity and its ability to present a formidable front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections. The latest flashpoint revolves around the controversial dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State chapter’s executive committee, a decision that has exposed deep-seated divisions within the party’s leadership.
The crisis escalated when the NWC, under the leadership of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee and the subsequent establishment of a caretaker committee to oversee the state chapter’s affairs. This move was purportedly in response to the defection of key members of the state executive, led by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, to the APC. The decision, however, was met with fierce resistance from the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, who declared it null and void, citing procedural irregularities and a violation of the PDP’s constitution.
Anyanwu, in a strongly worded letter dated October 1, 2025, described the dissolution as “purported” and maintained that the Akwa Ibom State executive committee remained intact. He argued that the decision lacked legitimacy because it was not ratified during a formal NWC meeting, as required by the party’s constitution. According to Anyanwu, it is his constitutional responsibility as the national secretary to issue notices for NWC meetings and record their minutes, neither of which occurred in this instance. He further asserted that only the National Executive Committee (NEC), a higher organ of the party, has the authority to dissolve a state executive committee, rendering the NWC’s action unconstitutional.
The disagreement over the dissolution stems from a deeper rift within the NWC, exacerbated by a power struggle between Damagum and Anyanwu, who is a known ally of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The conflict began when Anyanwu rejected a directive from Damagum to convene an NWC meeting to deliberate on the composition of the Akwa Ibom caretaker committee. In response, Damagum invoked his powers under Section 29 of the PDP constitution to summon the meeting himself, which was attended by 16 of the 19 NWC members. Notably, Anyanwu was absent from this meeting, which proceeded to approve the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom executive and the formation of the caretaker committee.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, defended the NWC’s decision, dismissing Anyanwu’s objections as an overreach of his role. Ologunagba clarified that the meeting was properly constituted and that the decision to dissolve the Akwa Ibom executive was taken in the interest of the party, particularly in light of the defection of Governor Eno and his loyalists to the APC. He accused Anyanwu of prioritizing personal interests over the collective good of the PDP, further intensifying the war of words between the two factions within the NWC.
The dissolution of the Akwa Ibom executive has also drawn support from other party leaders. Emmanuel Ogidi, the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South zone, backed the move, arguing that the state structure had been compromised by defections and could no longer function effectively. Ogidi’s endorsement underscores the broader implications of the crisis, as the South-South zone, a traditional stronghold of the PDP, is critical to the party’s electoral strategy.
The Akwa Ibom controversy is only the latest in a series of conflicts that have plagued the PDP in recent months. A faction loyal to Wike, which includes prominent figures such as Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, and several federal lawmakers, has issued a series of demands that they claim must be met to ensure the legitimacy of the upcoming national convention. These demands include the conduct of fresh party congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi States, a new Southeast zonal congress, adherence to court rulings regarding the South-South congress, and the retention of the national chairmanship in the North-Central zone.
Wike himself has been vocal about the internal strife, warning during a recent television appearance that the national convention may not proceed unless the party resolves these disputes. His camp argues that failure to address their demands would disenfranchise legitimate party members and render the convention invalid. This threat has heightened tensions within the PDP, as the party grapples with the challenge of maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The power struggle within the NWC reflects broader challenges facing the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself as a credible alternative to the APC. The party’s inability to resolve internal conflicts has raised concerns among its supporters about its preparedness for the upcoming convention and its long-term prospects. The Akwa Ibom crisis, in particular, highlights the fragility of the PDP’s organizational structure, as defections and factionalism continue to erode its cohesion.
Analysts argue that the PDP’s current crisis is a manifestation of longstanding issues, including the lack of a clear leadership succession plan and the influence of powerful individuals within the party. The rivalry between Damagum and Wike, for instance, is seen as a proxy battle for control of the party’s direction, with each side leveraging its influence to shape the outcome of the national convention. The outcome of this struggle could determine whether the PDP emerges as a united force or further fragments, weakening its position in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the November convention approaches, the PDP faces a critical juncture. The party must navigate the competing interests of its various factions while addressing the concerns of its grassroots members. The Akwa Ibom crisis, though localized, has national implications, as it underscores the challenges of maintaining discipline and unity within a diverse and fractious party. The ability of the PDP leadership to resolve these disputes and present a cohesive front at the convention will be crucial to its credibility and electoral prospects.
In the meantime, the PDP’s internal wrangling has provided fodder for its political opponents, particularly the APC, which has capitalized on the opposition’s disarray to strengthen its own position. The defection of Governor Eno and other key figures from the PDP to the APC is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the opposition party as it seeks to rebuild its base and attract new members.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for the PDP as it works to bridge its internal divides and prepare for the national convention. The resolution of the Akwa Ibom crisis, the accommodation of Wike’s faction, and the broader effort to unify the party will determine whether the PDP can overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger. For now, the power struggle within the NWC continues to cast a long shadow over the party’s future, threatening to derail its ambitions at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political history.