PDP Crisis: Anyanwu Defends Wike, Says Ibadan Convention Was ‘Jamboree’

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has insisted that despite the turmoil within the party, the PDP remains alive and capable of recovering its footing.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the former Imo governorship candidate dismissed claims that the PDP was on the verge of collapse.

“PDP is not dead, and PDP cannot die. Even if somebody is in an intensive care unit, the person can still recover,” he said.

Anyanwu also addressed criticism concerning his closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He noted that his friendship with Wike predates intra-party clashes and should not be misconstrued.
“When Wike, Makinde, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu and Ortom were doing G5, I was not part of it. Yet Wike is my very good friend,” he said.

He added that Wike played a key role in stabilising the PDP at a time when party structures were shaky.
“When the PDP was in ruins, it was Wike who resurrected the party,” Anyanwu stated, insisting that the minister had not abandoned the PDP.

Ibadan Convention Was a ‘Jamboree’ — Anyanwu

The PDP chieftain dismissed the party’s recent national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it as illegal and lacking inclusiveness.
He argued that several states did not participate, which, in his view, invalidated the processes and decisions taken there.

“With the absence of several states from the convention, the event cannot be said to be all-inclusive,” he said.

Suspension Not Valid, Says Ex-National Secretary

Anyanwu maintained that his reported suspension as National Secretary holds no weight, alleging that the party failed to comply with court orders regarding his position.

He insisted that the disciplinary actions taken against him and others were politically motivated and procedurally flawed.

Recall that the PDP convention, held between Saturday and early Sunday, expelled key figures, including the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose; and Anyanwu himself, over alleged anti-party activities.

The party also dissolved its structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states as part of a sweeping reorganisation.

A prominent PDP leader, Chief Bode George, moved the motion to expel 11 high-ranking members, accusing them of engaging in conduct contrary to the party’s collective interest. The motion was immediately seconded by the chairman of Bauchi State PDP.

Despite the widening crisis, Anyanwu expressed optimism that the party would survive its current challenges, saying its foundation remains strong.