PDP Denies Allegations of Signature Forgery and Document Cloning
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied allegations of signature forgery and document cloning made by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The party insists that Anyanwu personally signed all relevant documents related to the party’s upcoming national convention.
The PDP described Anyanwu’s claims as part of a broader effort to disrupt the preparations for the convention, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. However, Anyanwu has stated he would not engage in public debates with the party and has already submitted his petition to investigating agencies, which he believes will reveal the truth.
INEC Focuses on Anambra Governorship Election
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated it will communicate any official position on the PDP and its convention after the Anambra governorship election. INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, mentioned that he was currently in Anambra for stakeholder engagements and could not comment further at this time. He emphasized that the commission’s focus is on the Anambra governorship election and that any other information would be shared in due course.
PDP Dismisses Anyanwu’s Claims
Addressing journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed Anyanwu’s allegations. He insisted that Anyanwu personally signed the documents in question in the presence of PDP governors, National Working Committee (NWC) members, and other key stakeholders.
Ologunagba listed those present at the signing, including Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, among others.
He challenged investigating agencies and Nigerians to verify from these leaders whether Anyanwu signed the letters in their presence. Ologunagba accused the national secretary of joining those allegedly attempting to derail the convention, stating that “people can have alternative propaganda and twisting of stories, but what you don’t have is an alternative to facts. The facts are sacred.”
Anyanwu Signed Four Letters in One Sitting
Ologunagba explained that during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which INEC attended, the NEC approved the timetable for the 2025 elective national convention. The NEC also directed the national chairman and secretary to notify INEC officially in accordance with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Part Two of INEC’s guidelines for political parties.
At the subsequent 102nd NEC meeting held on August 25, the chairman and Anyanwu jointly signed four letters, including one notifying INEC of the convention’s time, date, venue, and agenda. Ologunagba said that the meeting was preceded by a session involving governors, NWC members, and other party leaders. He added that Anyanwu also wrote letters to members of subcommittees on contact and mobilisation, including one to Hon. Arthur, his personal aide, who duly acknowledged receipt.
Ologunagba questioned why Anyanwu is alleging forgery nearly two months after he signed the letters and INEC had acknowledged them. He said the PDP welcomes an investigation into the matter but expects Anyanwu to face consequences if his claims prove false.
Wike and Anyanwu’s Grouse
Last month, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his allies, including Senator Anyanwu, met in Abuja and presented a list of conditions they said must be met for a successful convention. They warned that failure to meet these demands would render the convention invalid, as legitimate members would be disenfranchised.
The meeting, attended by Wike, Anyanwu, former governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states in compliance with existing court judgments and a new South-East zonal congress. The group also insisted that the outcome of the South-South congress in Calabar, which produced Wike’s ally, Dan Orbih, must be respected.
Those Who Want PDP Dead Are Still at Play – Olafeso
Commenting, a former PDP South-West Vice Chairman, Dr Eddy Olafeso, described those opposing the convention as individuals determined to destroy the party. He said, “What is happening is the push of childbirth; you feel the pain, but a new PDP will be born.” Olafeso stated that the NWC remains united behind the convention and that the will of the majority will prevail.
Why Anyanwu Is Aggrieved – Osadolor
A member of the PDP’s NEC, Timothy Osadolor, said Anyanwu’s concerns about unresolved congress issues in the South-East were legitimate and should not be ignored. He explained that while other geopolitical zones have conducted smooth congresses, the South-East remains problematic. Osadolor urged PDP governors to allow the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to handle the issues fairly and independently.
I Have No Plan to Join APC – Gov Adeleke
In a related development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured that all challenges facing the PDP will be resolved internally, dismissing rumors that he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeleke said current issues in the PDP are “a family affair” and that they are meeting and resolving their issues internally.
