Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown deeper into crisis after its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alleged that his signature was forged on a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing the party’s forthcoming national convention.
In petitions addressed to INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector General of Police, Anyanwu — a close ally of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike — claimed he never signed the August 29 correspondence that notified the commission of the convention slated for 15–16 November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his petition dated October 15, titled “RE: Peoples Democratic Party Year 2025 Elective National Convention: Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature,” Anyanwu wrote:
“Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on the letter. I therefore request that this criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party and their collaborators within INEC be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.”
He attached excerpts of the alleged forged document to support his complaint. Identical petitions were sent to the DSS and police authorities, calling for a full investigation.
The allegations have further inflamed the PDP’s internal divisions, already strained by power struggles ahead of the Ibadan convention. Tensions have persisted between Wike’s loyalists and the camp of acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, over control of the party’s structures in several states, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau. Disputes over the South-South zonal leadership and the micro-zoning formula for key national offices have also remained unresolved.
The crisis has spilled into the courts. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, along with the South-South Zonal Secretary, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of violating the party’s constitution and internal election guidelines. The defendants include INEC, the PDP, Damagum, and other senior officials.
At the latest hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, proceedings were adjourned after two Senior Advocates of Nigeria — Kamaldeen Ajibade and Chief Chris Uche — both claimed to represent the party. The judge directed them to provide proof of authorisation before the next sitting on October 20.
Further complicating matters, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the National Working Committee reaffirmed the removal of the National Legal Adviser, citing “compromise,” and appointed Uche (SAN) in his place. Ajibade, however, insists he remains the rightful legal adviser, arguing that only a national convention can remove him.
With accusations of forgery, rival legal claims, and factional disputes now colliding, party insiders fear the PDP’s long-awaited convention could descend into chaos — or be postponed altogether.
