A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has insisted that despite the internal turmoil plaguing the opposition party, the PDP remains very much alive and capable of revival.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the former PDP governorship candidate in Imo State maintained confidence that the party would overcome its internal disputes and reclaim its place as a dominant political force.
“PDP is not dead, and PDP cannot die. Even if somebody is in an intensive care unit, the person can still recover,” he said, expressing optimism about the party’s future.
Anyanwu also addressed criticisms surrounding his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He argued that his friendship with Wike predates recent controversies, adding that Wike has remained committed to the PDP despite perceptions to the contrary.
“When Wike, Makinde, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu and Ortom were doing G5, I was not part of it. Yet Wike is my very good friend. When the PDP was in ruins, it was Wike who resurrected the party,” he stated, insisting that the FCT minister has not abandoned the party.
A ‘Jamboree’ Convention
Reacting to the PDP’s recent national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Anyanwu dismissed the exercise as a “jamboree,” arguing that it was conducted in violation of court orders and lacked broad participation.
He maintained that his purported suspension as National Secretary was invalid, stressing that the party leadership failed to obey judicial directives. According to him, the absence of several state delegates further undermined the legitimacy of the convention.
The PDP held its 2025 convention between Saturday and Sunday, where it expelled key figures including the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, Anyanwu himself, and several others over alleged anti-party activities. The party also dissolved its structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.
The expulsion of 11 prominent members followed a motion moved by PDP chieftain Bode George, who cited actions he described as “inconsistent with the party’s collective interest.” The motion was immediately seconded by the party chairman in Bauchi State.
What you should know
Samuel Anyanwu, a former Imo governorship candidate and key PDP figure, has been at the centre of recent internal disputes within the party.
His defence of Nyesom Wike and rejection of the Ibadan convention’s legitimacy reflect growing tensions over leadership, discipline, and the party’s direction ahead of future elections.
Despite the crisis, Anyanwu insists that the PDP—one of Nigeria’s major political parties—still possesses the capacity to reorganize and regain national relevance.
