The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated further as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has formally petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged forgery of his signature.
The petitions, dated October 15 and submitted on October 16, allege that a document purportedly signed by Anyanwu — a letter dated August 29, 2025, notifying INEC of the PDP’s planned National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State — was forged.
In his petition, Anyanwu stated unequivocally that he neither signed, approved, nor issued the said letter. He described the incident as a “criminal act of forgery and signature cloning” and called for a full-scale investigation and prosecution of all parties involved, including alleged collaborators within INEC.
“It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on an official party document,” Anyanwu wrote in the petition titled “Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature.”
“This criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party and their collaborators within INEC must be investigated, and the culprits prosecuted.”
The crisis has added to the PDP’s mounting internal conflicts ahead of its forthcoming national convention. Despite the decision to hold the convention in Ibadan, tensions remain high among factions loyal to Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and those aligned with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The disagreements reportedly center on zonal leadership disputes, control of state party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as controversies over micro-zoning arrangements for elective positions.
The dispute has also spilled into the courts. In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States—Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna—along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of violating the party’s constitution and internal election guidelines.
At a hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 15, confusion arose over legal representation for the party as two Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN)—each claimed authority to represent the PDP.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered both lawyers to submit proof of authorization and adjourned the case to October 20 for substantive hearing, directing all parties to exchange necessary documents by October 17.
Meanwhile, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed the decision to remove the National Legal Adviser, citing alleged compromise, and to appoint Chief Chris Uche (SAN) as his replacement. Ajibade, however, has dismissed the move as unconstitutional, insisting that only a national convention possesses the authority to remove him.
The unfolding development underscores deepening divisions within the PDP leadership as the party prepares for its crucial convention amid legal disputes and allegations of criminal misconduct.
The petitions lodged by Senator Anyanwu are expected to trigger investigations by the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, and INEC into possible breaches of Section 465 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which criminalizes forgery and falsification of official documents.
The outcome of these investigations could significantly shape the party’s internal dynamics and its readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
