PDP Counters Forgery Allegation: ‘Anyanwu Signed Convention Letter Before Governors, NWC Members’

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic twist on Monday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) dismissed claims by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged on a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the letter in question was personally signed by Senator Anyanwu in the full glare of state governors, members of the National Working Committee, and other senior stakeholders of the party.

According to Ologunagba, the signing took place on August 25, shortly before the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, during which the issue of the convention was openly discussed and unanimously approved.

He named those present at the time to include Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; as well as former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

> “There was no forgery anywhere. Senator Anyanwu duly signed the letter to INEC in the presence of our governors, NWC members, and respected leaders of the PDP. All relevant documents were authenticated before being transmitted,” Ologunagba stated emphatically.

This development comes after Senator Anyanwu had petitioned INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police, alleging that his signature was forged on the August 29 letter sent to INEC regarding the planned November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his petitions dated October 15 and submitted on October 16, Anyanwu claimed he neither approved nor signed the correspondence, insisting that the document was produced without his consent.

However, Ologunagba maintained that the PDP leadership was in full compliance with the party’s constitution and due process in all its communications with INEC. He also recalled that during the NEC meeting, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, openly affirmed that all convention-related letters, including the INEC notification, had been “duly endorsed and authenticated.”

> “Our party remains focused on unity, transparency, and discipline. Attempts to create internal distractions will not derail the PDP’s preparations for a successful and inclusive convention in November,” Ologunagba added.

The unfolding controversy has deepened internal tensions within the opposition party ahead of its planned convention, which is expected to reshape the PDP’s national leadership and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.