•Samuel Anyanwu
In a dramatic fashion, management and staff of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretariat, yesterday shut their offices and staged a mass walkout in protest against Samuel Anyanwu’s attempt to forcibly reclaim his position as national secretary.
The protest came after the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, appointed Setonji Koshodeo as acting National Secretary, an appointment the staff had earlier pledged to support, reports Vanguard.
According to multiple sources who spoke to our correspondent in Abuja, Anyanwu arrived at the party headquarters with suspected thugs and tried to take control of the national secretary’s office.
But staff members, determined not to recognise or work with him, quickly mobilised and vacated the premises, leaving Anyanwu stranded and visibly embarrassed.
One of the protesting staff members said: “Anyanwu and his people entered the building. It wasn’t just an attempt, they actually went straight into the national secretary’s office with some of his aides.”
As the standoff continued, the PDP secretariat remained deserted, with staff insisting they would not return until Anyanwu vacated the office.
The protest was a show of loyalty to the NWC. Back in May, the staff had publicly pledged to support the committee’s decision, insisting that Koshoedo’s appointment followed the party’s internal procedures.
Another source revealed that Anyanwu was later advised by his aides to leave quietly to avoid further humiliation.
“We had all left our offices and walked out in protest. That firm action led to his exit,” the source said.
Explaining further, the staff added: “When he realised the atmosphere was hostile and there was no one left to work with, apart from the few people he came with, his aides advised him to leave, rather than remain in such an awkward situation.”
The incident has triggered accusations within the party, with some staff alleging that Anyanwu is a ‘mole’ planted by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to cause chaos within the PDP, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although unconfirmed, these allegations have added to growing tension within the party.
The walkout has raised fresh concerns about the PDP’s internal unity and its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
As the main opposition party, some fear its credibility could suffer if the leadership crisis is not quickly resolved.
The situation highlighted the growing factionalisation within the party and the challenge of staying united.
The PDP has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. Attempts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls to his phone.
