Drama at PDP Secretariat as Staff Shut Offices, Reject Anyanwu’s Return

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat was plunged into disarray on Monday as management and staff dramatically shut down offices and staged a mass walkout. Their protest was aimed at rejecting Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s forceful attempt to reclaim his position as the party’s National Secretary.

The dramatic demonstration unfolded after Senator Anyanwu reportedly arrived at the party headquarters with suspected thugs, attempting to take control of the National Secretary’s office. However, staff members, who had previously pledged allegiance to the National Working Committee’s (NWC) appointment of Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary, quickly mobilized. They vacated the premises en masse, leaving Anyanwu stranded and visibly embarrassed.

“Anyanwu and his people entered the building. It wasn’t just an attempt; they actually went straight into the national secretary’s office with some of his aides,” a protesting staff member revealed. Another staff member confirmed, “We had all left our offices and walked out in protest. That firm action led to his exit.” The secretariat remained deserted for the rest of the day, with staff vowing not to return until Anyanwu vacates the office.

The standoff highlights a long-running internal dispute over the National Secretary’s office. Anyanwu had previously taken a leave of absence to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election. While a Supreme Court ruling in March 2025 affirmed that party leadership disputes are internal matters, the PDP’s NWC, at its 600th meeting in April 2025, directed Setonji Koshoedo to act as National Secretary. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also acknowledged Koshoedo in that capacity.

Despite this, Anyanwu has persistently maintained that he remains the substantive National Secretary, vowing not to resign and citing an ongoing appeal and a stay of execution on earlier court rulings that had gone against him. Some protesting staff members further accused Anyanwu of being a “mole” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging an attempt to sow discord within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the PDP has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Attempts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful.