Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has disclosed that the Southeast caucus within the Peoples Democratic Party has taken a firm position against National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu representing the party at the national level.
Saraki spoke on the internal party tensions during an Arise TV interview from 25:01, “What has happened here is that, over time, people have taken strong positions on the National Secretary,” Saraki explained. “For example, the Southeast caucus, which is a strong caucus in the party and a strong member of the family, you can’t just disregard them, you can’t just tell them to just, you know, do whatever they want; we must respect them.”
The former Senate President outlined the Southeast caucus’s clear stance on the National Secretary position, highlighting their rejection of Anyanwu’s continued role. “They have taken a position that we don’t want Senator Sam Anyanwu, but the reality is, it’s not ours. If it was ours, that easy, I’m sure we would consider them. But the reality on ground says otherwise,” he stated.
Saraki identified the need for careful negotiation and consensus-building to address the internal dispute while maintaining party unity. “So, we have to talk to them. We have to appease them as much as possible to carry everybody along. That is why I’m being cautious as somebody who is the reconciliation chairman. It’s not just mine to make; it has to be everybody,” Saraki explained.
Despite internal opposition, Saraki revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided clarity on Anyanwu’s official status within the party hierarchy. According to INEC’s assessment, Anyanwu remains the only legally recognized National Secretary of the PDP.
Saraki noted significant disagreement within party leadership regarding INEC’s position, but stressed the importance of adhering to legal frameworks. He explained that while many party leaders disagree with INEC’s assessment, they must follow established legal procedures to prevent future complications.
