The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations of signature forgery raised by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, calling on security agencies to investigate the claims amid growing internal tensions ahead of its November national convention.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said Anyanwu personally signed the letter notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the planned convention, witnessed by governors, National Working Committee (NWC) members, and senior party officials.
“People can have alternative propaganda and twist stories, but there is no alternative to facts,” Ologunagba said. “Forgery is a serious crime, and since the matter has been reported to the DSS and police, we expect a proper investigation.”
He explained that during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, attended by Anyanwu and INEC representatives, the body approved the timetable for the party’s elective convention, set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and Anyanwu were directed to formally notify INEC, in line with the Electoral Act.
Ologunagba said the letters were duly signed on August 25, hours before the party’s 102nd NEC meeting, in the presence of 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.
“At that meeting, four letters were signed by Senator Anyanwu and the chairman in the presence of these leaders,” Ologunagba stated. “One of them was the INEC notification letter for the convention. Others related to the convention committee and notices of repeat congresses in Anambra, Ebonyi, and the South-East.”
He accused Anyanwu of attempting to derail preparations for the convention, adding that the secretary had acted on the same letters in his official capacity as subcommittee secretary for contact and mobilisation.
“He even issued letters to members of his subcommittee — one to his personal aide — which were duly acknowledged. So, at what point, 50 days later, did these documents become forged?” Ologunagba asked.
The dispute has intensified uncertainty around the PDP’s leadership transition, as loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, continue to oppose Damagum’s leadership and contest control of party structures in the South-South, particularly in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States.
The feud has 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 NWC of breaching the party’s constitution.
A dispute over legal representation forced Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to adjourn the case to October 16, ordering both sides to prove who had the mandate to represent the party.
Meanwhile, 14 NWC members have written to reaffirm their decision to remove the party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and appoint Chief Chris Uche (SAN) in acting capacity — a move Ajibade rejected, insisting only a national convention could remove him.
In a separate development, Senator Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, INEC, and the DSS, denying that he signed the August 29 letter and demanding a probe into the alleged forgery.
With the NWC rejecting his claim and urging a full investigation, the controversy threatens to overshadow preparations for the convention — a crucial test for a party still struggling to rebuild unity after its 2023 electoral defeat.
