The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has firmly declared he will not resign from his position despite mounting pressure from certain party leaders.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, Anyanwu accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of spearheading a coordinated effort to remove him before his tenure expires in December 2025.

"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," Anyanwu stated emphatically.

The former senator explained that he had only taken a leave of absence to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, having formally notified both the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his decision.

"I wrote to the party and to INEC before proceeding on leave. That letter was acknowledged. My deputy only acted on my behalf. At no time did I resign my position," he clarified.

Zoning Controversy

Anyanwu highlighted that according to PDP's zoning arrangement, the National Secretary position is allocated to the South, specifically micro-zoned to the South-East with Imo State designated for nominations. He questioned why a replacement from Enugu State was being proposed.

"If the zoning principle is to be respected, any replacement must come from Imo State, not Enugu. Governor Mbah is pushing for a replacement that violates the PDP's own zoning formula," he argued.

The PDP National Secretary accused former South-East National Vice Chairman Ali Odefa of orchestrating the campaign against him and misleading Governor Mbah with false information. He noted that Odefa had been expelled from the party and lacked any legal standing within the organization.

Citing a High Court judgment from January 26, 2025, Anyanwu emphasized that any actions taken by Odefa or his allies were legally invalid.

Allegations of Conspiracy

Anyanwu further alleged that Governors Makinde and Mbah were conspiring to install Sunday Ude-Okoye as secretary through improper channels, including manipulating party staff and using unauthorized meeting venues.

He also dismissed rumors about his alleged allegiance to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting that their friendship has never compromised his loyalty to the PDP.

This internal conflict emerges as the PDP continues efforts to reorganize following electoral setbacks, with the party recently declaring intentions to come back stronger in the 2027 elections.