“Atiku’s Camp Raises Alarm: PDP NEC Decision on Anyanwu Is an APC Trap as ADC Emerges New Coalition Platform”

Atiku Abubakar’s political camp has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership of playing into a well-orchestrated trap laid by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to fracture the opposition. The outrage stems from the PDP National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to retain Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, a move critics describe as a “scam” that undermines the party’s internal democracy.

The controversial NEC resolution was announced on Monday, July 1, during the party’s 100th NEC meeting at its Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja. PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum disclosed that members unanimously agreed to affirm Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary, a position he controversially refused to relinquish while contesting the 2023 Imo governorship election.

However, the announcement has sparked internal uproar, with Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, condemning the development as a deliberate plot being executed by individuals working hand-in-hand with the APC. He described the resolution as part of a larger script aimed at dismantling the PDP from within, warning that such actions might push more key players out of the party.

The PDP’s internal crisis over Anyanwu’s dual role as a gubernatorial candidate and national secretary has lingered since 2023. Despite calls for his replacement, Anyanwu returned after losing the election and resumed his duties, causing sharp division within the party’s South-East bloc and National Working Committee. His critics argue that the proper constitutional steps were never taken to declare his seat vacant and initiate a replacement process.

Ray Nnaji, a former PDP National Auditor, defended the NEC’s decision, insisting it was overdue and necessary to prevent further legal and organizational confusion. Nnaji criticized PDP governors for failing to act decisively earlier, arguing that their inertia created a power vacuum Anyanwu easily exploited. He added that the party must now focus on strategic rebuilding rather than in-house squabbles.

The NEC meeting was not without controversy. Some NEC members reportedly faced police intimidation prior to the session, leading to a venue change. Atiku’s camp decried what it called a clear assault on democratic norms, likening it to tactics used under military dictatorship and accusing party insiders of enabling APC influence within PDP ranks.

Meanwhile, the larger opposition coalition took a bold step on Wednesday, July 3, by adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform for the 2027 general elections. The coalition, which includes Peter Obi, Atiku, Nasir el-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, seeks to consolidate opposition strength against APC dominance, signaling that the realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape has entered a new phase.