PDP crisis deepens as National Secretary alleges signature forgery

A significant crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the authenticity of a key document sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has publicly insisted that his signature was forged on the official letter notifying INEC of the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

However, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has strongly denied this allegation, labeling it as “spurious, mischievous, and false.”

Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, presented a contradictory narrative. He claimed that Senator Anyanwu personally signed all convention-related letters, including the one to INEC, in the presence of numerous high-ranking party leaders. According to Ologunagba, the signing took place hours before a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 25, witnessed by several governors and former officials like Bukola Saraki.

Ologunagba further stated that the party is considering involving security agencies to investigate the “false claim of forgery.” He warned that if the allegation is proven untrue, the party would not hesitate to sanction Anyanwu for misconduct.

Striking a more conciliatory tone, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke assured the public that the party’s internal issues are being resolved “amicably as a family affair.”

He emphasized that the PDP remains united and fully prepared for a successful national convention.

Governor Adeleke, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Convention Committee, made these remarks after chairing a sub-committee meeting in Abuja.

He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to manage its affairs, stating, “We have resolved all outstanding issues to ensure the convention proceeds smoothly.”

Dismissing reports of a deep crisis, Adeleke described the situation as an internal family matter.

He also addressed rumors of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that such movements are normal in politics and would not weaken the PDP.

He clarified that his attendance at social events hosted by APC members should not be misconstrued as a plan to defect, saying, “If I have friends in the APC and they invite me… I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them.”

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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