PDP forum condemns Anyanwu’s invasion of party secretariat

The National Ex-Officio Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party has criticized what it has termed the “illegal invasion” of the party's national headquarters in Abuja by the suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, along with a group of his supporters.

The forum also praised the decision made by the Oyo State High Court, issued by Justice Ladiran Akintola, which permitted the PDP to move forward with its national convention set for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, calling it a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Forum's Chairman, Clement Faboyede, and Secretary Hassan Comfort, the group expressed their anger regarding the incident that occurred at the Wadata Plaza national headquarters and showed their support for the party’s acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum.

Reports indicate that on Tuesday, the situation escalated when the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, along with Anyanwu and several loyal followers, forcefully entered the secretariat and proclaimed himself the Acting National Chairman.

Following their departure, a contingent of armed police was sent to the location, securing both entrances of the secretariat.

The statement from the Forum included, “The Peoples Democratic Party National Ex-Officio Forum conveys its deep indignation and clear condemnation regarding the illegal incursion at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, by Senator Sam Anyanwu and his faction of politically motivated individuals.

“The occurrence, which involved the intimidation of reporters, damage to media equipment, assaults on secretariat personnel, and the false suspension of the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other loyal party officials, signifies a reckless exhibition of political chaos and an insult to democratic values.”

The group characterized this incident as a “direct attack on the essence of the PDP” and “a blatant breach of the party’s constitution.”

“What happened at Wadata Plaza was not simply an assault on individuals but an endeavor to tarnish an institution founded on years of sacrifice, vision, and commitment to democracy.

“The individuals responsible for this disgraceful scheme have only highlighted their disregard for order and contempt for the unified aspirations of countless PDP supporters nationwide,” the statement went on to say.

Applauding Justice Akintola for his “valiant and patriotic” ruling, the forum asserted that the court's decision reinforces trust in the judiciary as a defender of democracy.

“Justice Akintola’s ruling restores faith in the Nigerian judiciary as the genuine guardian of democratic integrity and impartiality. In times where democracy is threatened from within, principled individuals like Justice Akintola remind us that the rule of law stands as the final refuge for the people’s will,” the statement further indicated.

Reiterating their allegiance to Damagum’s leadership, the forum promised to stay “determined, united, and unwavering in upholding the integrity, unity, and vision of the PDP.”

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