In a dramatic turn of events, staff and management of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat staged a mass walkout on Monday in protest against an attempt by Senator Samuel Anyanwu to forcibly reclaim the position of National Secretary. The walkout followed the recent appointment of Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)—an appointment the staff had previously pledged to support, citing adherence to the party’s internal procedures.
According to sources, Anyanwu arrived at the Abuja secretariat with suspected thugs and attempted to occupy the national secretary’s office. Staff members, refusing to recognize him, vacated their offices en masse, leaving the secretariat deserted and Anyanwu visibly embarrassed and isolated. One staffer said, “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 quietly.”
The protest, which staff described as a loyalty stand with the NWC, underscored deepening internal fractures within the PDP. Tensions have escalated further amid unverified allegations that Anyanwu is a “mole” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—a claim fueling suspicions of political sabotage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The standoff raises significant concerns about the PDP’s unity, internal discipline, and credibility as Nigeria’s main opposition party. As of now, the PDP leadership has not issued an official statement, and attempts to contact National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba have been unsuccessful. The incident is seen as yet another test of the party’s ability to resolve internal disputes and maintain cohesion in the face of growing electoral pressure.
