Amanze Chinonye
Samuel Anyanwu has rejected his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the party’s weekend national convention in Ibadan was nothing more than a political show lacking legitimacy and failing to meet basic internal standards.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Anyanwu described the convention which ran from Saturday into early Sunday as incomplete, unrepresentative and constitutionally defective.
He argued that many state chapters had not concluded their congresses and therefore could not legally send delegates, calling into question the legality of every decision taken at the gathering. According to him, the organisers ignored court orders relating to his earlier suspension and proceeded without fulfilling mandatory INEC-related procedures.
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The convention produced sweeping outcomes, including the expulsion of high-profile members such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen and others. It also dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, while electing a new national leadership headed by former minister Kabiru Turaki.
Anyanwu maintained that those behind the convention lacked the authority to remove him, insisting that due process was abandoned.
He doubled down on his allegation that his signature was forged on a letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying the commission of the convention. He confirmed that he has petitioned INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police to investigate the alleged forgery.
The fallout has further exposed deep cracks within the PDP, as key stakeholders move to distance themselves from the Ibadan decisions. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang have openly rejected the expulsions, stating that such actions were never discussed at the PDP Governors’ Forum or at NEC meetings.
However, the PDP Board of Trustees and National Working Committee have dismissed Anyanwu’s claims, insisting that the Ibadan convention was legitimate and that he personally signed the INEC letters he now says were forged. Party leaders described his allegations as “baseless,” saying there are “verifiable correspondences” bearing his signature.
As rival factions entrench their positions, the dispute has intensified the party’s longstanding internal crisis, raising the prospect of further legal battles and deepening uncertainty over the PDP’s national structure.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
