The Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has formally endorsed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the party’s national leader. The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, convened by the state chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, and attended by party elders, elected officials, and other key stakeholders from across the state.
Nwachukwu said the state chapter remains committed to the PDP’s constitution, internal democracy, and guiding principles, emphasizing that the party in Imo stands united despite recent tensions at the national level. He highlighted Wike’s long-standing contributions to the party, including his role in expanding the PDP’s control from four states in 2015 to 16 in subsequent years, and described him as a stabilizing figure critical to the party’s survival and reorganization.
Support for Party Leadership
The meeting also reaffirmed support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the faction, praising his consistent efforts to strengthen party structures at both state and national levels. Stakeholders expressed confidence in AbdulRahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Maho Ohabunwa as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, citing their leadership as complementary to ongoing efforts to reposition the PDP.
Participants criticized the recent PDP convention in Ibadan as unlawful and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for boycotting the event, stressing the importance of adherence to the party constitution and due process. Nwachukwu urged members to remain focused and united in preparation for the next election cycle, with the aim of reclaiming governance in the state.
Deepening Party Divisions
The PDP in Imo State has been divided following the Umar Damagum faction’s expulsion of Wike, Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for alleged anti-party activities. That faction also elected former Special Duties Minister Tanimu Turaki at its Ibadan convention. In response, Wike’s loyalists expelled Damagum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The two factions recently clashed over access to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, further highlighting the internal rift.
