Kola Ologbondiyan, former PDP National Publicity Secretary, explained the latest conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the National Secretary position. He said the creation of a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki has stirred up tensions again, especially about whether Senator Samuel Anyanwu should keep the role. Ologbondiyan shared his views in an interview from 2:27, on how this ongoing dispute could affect the party’s future.
Ologbondiyan began by expressing surprise over the committee’s recommendation. “I find this strange that the Senator Bukola Saraki committee came up with the idea of returning Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary. It’s totally and absolutely strange to me that they came to that conclusion,” he said.
Despite this, he explained that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has since reaffirmed its earlier decision to have Umar Setaonji Kosedo, the Deputy Secretary, act as the National Secretary for now. “The party has stood by its earlier decision, as taken at the 600th National Working Committee meeting, and that the Deputy National Secretary will act, pending the nomination of the South–South replacement for Senator Anyanwu,” Ologbondiyan added.
The leadership tussle pits strong factions against each other. While Senator Anyanwu has backing from influential figures like the FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, the PDP governors and Board of Trustees oppose his continued tenure.
Ologbondiyan clarified the confusion about INEC’s recognition of the party’s leadership. “I want to disagree with you that the INEC recognizes Senator Samuel Anyanwu in the current situation, because the National Working Committee, by its decision at the 600th meeting, had written to INEC and asked INEC to recognize Setaonji Kosedo as the Acting National Secretary,” he stated.
He further revealed that INEC has acknowledged this communication, directing its officers accordingly. “As we speak, it is Setaonji that is recognized, going by the letter that was written — copies of which I have seen and which I acknowledge — and is also treated,” he noted.
On the apparent discrepancy between the INEC website’s listing and the party’s actual position, Ologbondiyan said, “It requires upgrading. It’s not impossible that the decision of the party, which has been communicated to INEC, which INEC has complied with, has not been upgraded on that particular platform. That’s left for INEC to decide.”
Addressing the broader role of INEC, he insisted, “INEC will not choose for a political party, including the People’s Democratic Party, who its officers shall be. It cannot.” He also referenced a civil society organization challenging INEC to uphold the party’s chosen officials.
The Supreme Court verdict on the matter was seen by PDP as a positive outcome, according to Ologbondiyan. “The Supreme Court did not give precedence to either Senator Anyanwu or Udo Okoye. By the understanding that I got from the People’s Democratic Party, the PDP says — and clearly stated — that it is a victory for the party, because the party now has the liberty to determine its own affairs,” he said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which has been repeatedly postponed, Ologbondiyan emphasized that the agenda is shaped by the National Working Committee. “Any individual who is talking about what will come before the National Executive Committee is just expressing personal views and personal opinions. So we wait for the National Working Committee to bring the agenda to the NEC, where decisions will be taken,” he said.
On the economic challenges Nigeria faces, Ologbondiyan hinted that key issues must be addressed by the party’s leadership but reserved detailed comment until official agendas are set.
Finally, touching on the ongoing factionalism and uncertainty about the PDP’s future direction, Ologbondiyan urged party unity. He highlighted that despite internal disagreements, “the party has returned to the path of progress” and that the leadership decisions are being taken constitutionally.
