The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn, raising a significant question about the party’s future. In a post via Facebook, according to Lere Olayinka, an aide to Nyesom Wike, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still recognises Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary.
This might sound simple, but it has created a huge problem. INEC requires that both the Chairman and the National Secretary must jointly sign any official letter from the party. This includes letters to submit the names of candidates for elections, notify the commission of meetings, or communicate major decisions. Without the signatures of these two officers, INEC will not accept any document from the PDP.
The dilemma is that the PDP is currently split into two fighting factions. One side is led by Damagum and newly elected chairman Turaki’s allies, often linked to Governor Seyi Makinde and others. The other is led by Senator Anyanwu, who insists he remains the party’s authentic National Secretary despite decisions made at a recent convention in Ibadan.
Here’s a screenshot of his post.
Because the factions do not recognise each other’s authority, it is almost impossible for Damagum and Anyanwu to jointly sign any letter. Olayinka warns that if the party cannot resolve this standoff quickly, the PDP may not be able to field candidates in upcoming elections, leaving its supporters confused and its future uncertain.
In his words, “In INEC as at today, the Chairman of PDP is Umar Damagum, the National Secretary is Senator Samuel Anyanwu. How will Damagum and Anyanwu sign any letter to INEC now?” View, More,
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