‘I’m not resigning’ – PDP’s Anyanwu vows amidst secretaryship crisis
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has insisted he will not step down from his role despite increasing pressure from certain party leaders. In a statement, Anyanwu accused Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State of spearheading a coordinated effort to remove him prior to the end of his tenure.
During a press conference in Abuja, Anyanwu declared, “There is no vacancy in the office of the National Secretary of the PDP. I remain the substantive National Secretary whose tenure runs until December 2025.
”He clarified that his current absence from his office was due to a leave he took to contest the governorship election in Imo State, which he had officially communicated to the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Refuting claims of resignation, Anyanwu stated, “At no time did I resign my position,” emphasizing that his deputy had merely acted on his behalf. He reiterated the importance of zoning, asserting that the position of National Secretary is designated for the South-East, specifically Imo State, and questioned the push for a replacement from Enugu State.
On the allegations against him, Anyanwu named Hon. Ali Odefa, a former South-East National Vice Chairman, as a key figure behind the campaign to unseat him, claiming he has been spreading false information.
“Odefa was expelled from the party and the High Court confirmed it. He has no business attending or convening any PDP meeting,” he stated.
Highlighting a recent High Court ruling, Anyanwu emphasized, “The judgment states clearly that any meeting presided over or attended by Ali Odefa is infected with the virus of fundamental illegality and cannot stand.” He accused Governors Makinde and Mbah of attempting to manipulate party procedures to install Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye as Secretary, labeling it a blatant act of impunity.
Rejecting suggestions of an alleged affiliation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu maintained, “I can never deny my friend. After political offices, life continues.” He dismissed claims of impending coalitions or mergers involving the PDP, asserting, “There is no coalition. PDP is not merging with anyone.”
Expressing frustration over the lack of support during his governorship campaign, Anyanwu remarked, “I contested that election without a kobo from the party. None of those now calling for my resignation helped me.” He noted that attempts to remove him could legally invalidate all PDP activities conducted under his leadership since November 2023.
In closing, Anyanwu appealed for unity among party members, urging them to prioritize the collective good of the PDP. “Let us go in peace. We came into this as a family. Let’s not destroy the house because of selfish interests,” he concluded.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
