By Politics Nigeria
The unfolding drama within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a boiling point, following a stunning revelation that the signature of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was allegedly forged on a key document submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the party’s much-anticipated national convention.
The explosive scandal, which insiders describe as “a ticking time bomb,” has deepened the widening cracks within the opposition party and thrown its planned November 16 national convention into serious jeopardy.
According to impeccable party sources, the controversial convention notice, bearing what appeared to be Anyanwu’s signature, was received by INEC on August 29, 2025. But the Imo-born lawmaker swiftly disowned the document, alleging a criminal forgery of his signature.
In a strongly worded letter dated October 15, 2025, and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Chairman of INEC, Senator Anyanwu expressed shock and outrage over the fraudulent use of his name.
> “My attention has been drawn to the above-titled official letter to INEC with Ref. No. PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol. 1M/25 – 140, dated Monday, August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me,” the letter read in part.
“Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorized, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on such an important document. I therefore request that this criminal act by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party and their collaborators within INEC be thoroughly investigated and the culprits prosecuted.”
The revelation has thrown the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, into the eye of a political storm. Many party members accuse him of desperation to retain power and manipulating party processes ahead of the convention.
Sources close to the National Working Committee (NWC) told Politics Nigeria that despite rising opposition, the Damagum faction is still pushing ahead with preparations for the convention. However, several NWC members argue that such a move could plunge the party into another round of legal chaos, especially with unresolved congresses in multiple states.
An NWC member, who spoke anonymously, said:
> “This is not the time for shortcuts or deceit. The signature of our National Secretary was forged, and the party must take decisive action. Any process founded on illegality will not stand.”
Adding to the escalating tension, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, October 17, 2025, reaffirmed an earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the planned convention.
The court’s directive followed a suit filed by three aggrieved PDP members — including the Imo and Abia State Chairmen — seeking to halt the convention on the grounds that the party failed to conduct proper congresses to elect delegates, rendering the entire process null and void.
Justice Omotosho assured all parties that a final judgment would be delivered before the end of October, but emphasized that no further steps must be taken pending the court’s ruling.
The court subsequently fixed Monday, October 20, for the definite hearing of the originating summons, effectively freezing all preparations and paralyzing convention plans until a verdict is reached.
With allegations of forgery, internal power struggles, and a court order suspending all convention activities, the PDP now faces one of its most turbulent moments since losing power in 2015.
Party faithful and observers alike fear that unless decisive reconciliation steps are taken, the PDP’s long-standing internal battles could further erode its credibility as Nigeria’s main opposition force — just months ahead of crucial off-cycle elections in key states.
As one senior party stalwart put it, “This is no longer just a political crisis; it’s a fight for the soul and survival of the PDP.”
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