The recently reinstated National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has called for party unity, stating that the internal crisis within the PDP has been resolved.

In an exclusive interview with The TheNigerian on Monday, Anyanwu urged party members to focus on strengthening the PDP, and advised those currently involved in coalition negotiations for the 2027 elections to reconsider their action and join hands to rebuild and strengthen the PDP.

Anyanwu’s call comes in the wake of last week’s declaration of a coalition by the 2023 presidential candidates, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Anyanwu, who claimed to be unaware of the coalition led by Atiku, encouraged PDP members to remain dedicated to the party.

According to him, the PDP remains a strong party at all levels despite the internal conflicts it has faced before and after the 2023 elections, which have caused instability and divisions within the party.

Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been criticised, especially after replacing Iyorchia Ayu.

Tensions heightened over the National Secretary position when the South-East nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to replace Anyanwu, who had been nominated for the Imo governorship race in 2023.

The dispute reached the courts in December 2024, where the Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in favour of Ude-Okoye as PDP National Secretary. However, after months of party unrest, the Supreme Court overturned the Appeal Court decision on Friday, reinstating Anyanwu as the party’s Secretary.

In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court stated that issues relating to the leadership or membership of a political party are internal matters and should not be handled by the courts.

Following the ruling, the PDP’s National Working Committee issued a statement affirming that Ude-Okoye’s appointment had been overridden by the Supreme Court decision and that the party must address leadership issues internally.

Responding to the ruling, Anyanwu expressed relief, stating that the Supreme Court’s decision had ended the major crisis within the PDP.

He acknowledged the emotional toll the conflict had taken on him but expressed optimism about moving forward.

“From the Supreme Court, which is the highest court, I am the National Secretary of the PDP. I hold no grudges against anyone. We have only a few months left, so all we need to do now is work together and reposition the party,” Anyanwu said.

He added, “Although I have been bruised and have experienced a lot of emotional stress, I endure it all. Now is the time for us to unite and reposition the PDP. There is also an urgent need for an important NWC meeting where we can face each other, speak the truth, and apologize where necessary.”

When asked about the NWC’s stance, Anyanwu stated, “The NWC hasn’t met yet; some members are unavailable. I have resumed, and we will have a meeting soon.”

Anyanwu also reaffirmed that the PDP is not involved in any coalition and urged those advocating for a coalition to remove President Bola Tinubu to instead join the PDP.

“The PDP is not part of any coalition; we have not been invited to any coalition meetings. In fact, we have not had any discussions about a coalition. The PDP remains strong at the local, ward, and state levels. As far as I am concerned, those talking about a coalition should join the PDP. The crisis is over, so people should move into the PDP rather than PDP joining any coalition,” he stated.

When contacted, members of the National Executive Committee, who requested to remain anonymous, and PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called for reconciliation within the NWC.

Both emphasised that the PDP’s leadership must now focus on unity and strengthening the party.

One NEC source said, “For me, it was an unnecessary fight in the first place. However, now that the apex court has ruled, all well-meaning leaders of the party, such as the Governors, members of the BoT, and other stakeholders, should rally behind the NWC. I know some people are still angry within the NWC, but we must let this go for the party to survive. If we continue to fight like this, the image of the party will suffer.”

Osadolor added, “I know that the PDP Governors Forum, the BoT, and the opposition in Nigeria have their opinions on what is right and wrong. Only God and extraterrestrial beings can fully determine that. They are, to some extent, also involved in these matters. The Supreme Court has ruled, so it is time for all of us in the PDP, regardless of our position, to start mending our differences. I believe we are going to make decisions. The way forward is reconciliation, and healing is an essential part of that.”

Osadolor further emphasised, “Going forward, we want the Governors Forum, the BoT, the NWC, and especially Samuel Anyanwu to help resolve any grey areas. Now that the situation is clear, no one should fight it. We can heal and recover. It should not be seen as a case of victor and vanquished. We are all one family, so let’s embrace the future and move on.”

The All Progressives Congress on Sunday attacked the immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, as indications emerged that the former Federal Capital Territory minister was rallying northern leaders and bigwigs against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 poll.

The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, accused El-Rufai of stoking ethnic agenda over his failure to get a cabinet appointment.

The once-cordial relationship between the President and El-Rufai soured after he failed to secure a ministerial appointment.

Though Tinubu nominated him for a ministerial position, the ex-governor was rejected by the National Assembly on security grounds.

But in recent weeks, he has been meeting with various northern political leaders and opposition figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

To demonstrate his new-found relationship with the former vice president whom he accused of corruption in his book, “The Accidental Servant,” El-Rufai joined Atiku’s entourage during a condolence visit to the family of the elder statesman and leader of Niger Delta, Chief Edwin Clark, last Friday.

Speaking during the visit, El-Rufai said Atiku deserved commendations for spearheading economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

“Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy-making under Obasanjo’s administration. Many of the things we did were under his leadership.

“Maybe because we don’t write about it, and people don’t read history, we tend to forget. We only remember negative things. Maybe, it’s part of human nature,” El-Rufai said.

After the condolence visit, the ex-governor and Atiku observed the Juma’at prayer together.

On Saturday, El-Rufai met with the Kaduna State executive committee of the PDP. The former governor was accompanied by his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu.

The closed-door meeting, which took place in Kaduna, sparked speculations about possible political realignments and bipartisan cooperation ahead of the 2027 election.

Twenty-forty hours later, the ex-governor held a meeting with the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, on Sunday.

El-Rufai visited Adamu at the latter’s residence in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

This was made public by an X user and staunch follower of El-Rufai, @UI_Wakili.

He wrote, “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accompanied by Mallam Bashir Saidu and Dujima Adamawa, paid a visit to former APC Chairman Abdullahi Adamu today at his residence in Keffi.”

Adamu is believed to have fallen out with Tinubu following his resignation as APC national chairman in July 2023.

Lately, El-Rufai launched media attacks on the APC and accused it of lacking internal democracy, noting that the party’s organs had not convened in the last two years.

Two weeks ago, the APC chieftain shared an opinion by a social commentator, Uche Diala, which claimed the relationship between Tinubu and the North had deteriorated less than two years into his administration, warning that he may be given the ‘Goodluck Jonathan treatment’ in the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai published the statement written on his verified X handle. It was titled, ‘2027: South West, Tinubu’s supporters playing with fire – Part 1.’

It read partly, “Less than two years into the tenure, we are witnesses to how the relationship between the North and President Bola Tinubu or rather his administration is quickly deteriorating, driven by the words and conduct of, unfortunately, many from the president’s geopolitical zone and tribe. Truth be told.

“I have read and heard the arrogant posturing and braggadocio by some people whom I refer to as political rabble-rousers, but I get more worried each day as it keeps looking more and more like a movie we had seen before.

“May I remind some persons that, more than the performance or lack thereof of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, it was his attitude, and that of people around him, towards the North that ultimately brought him down and, by extension, the PDP that had boasted that it would rule Nigeria for 60 years.”

Speaking on El-Rufai’s subterranean political moves, the APC National Secretary, Basiru, said they no longer pay attention to his activities after the party discovered he was “an overrated ethnic champion” who is always ready to pitch northern politicians against their southern counterparts.

The party scribe slammed El-Rufai over his continued posture as the mouthpiece of the North and recent fraternity with top opposition figures.

He said, “I have told you before and am still telling you again that we are concerned about our affairs in the APC. For parties in Nigeria, it is free exit and free entry. So anybody is free to exit if he wants to exit. But we will not dignify such moves with any comment for now.

“We understand that sectional politics is what makes some people tick. Unfortunately, he (El-Rufai) is not thinking about the development of the country but is stoking up the ethnic nationality agenda. This South versus North posture shows that all along, he has been overrated as a person.”

Hinting at El-Rufai’s grievance, Basiru noted, “The only thing we want to say is that governance is a serious matter and nobody has the birthright to be an appointee of government. There are more than 180 million Nigerians and quite a number of them are qualified.

“So, if you don’t have an opportunity to serve in a government, it does not mean that you should be going around and trying to become an emergency activist. As I said before, politics is a free exit and free entry. The APC is solid and we are forging ahead.”

The party chief claimed Nigerians had started seeing the results of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“In the past couple of weeks, you can confirm that the naira is firming up against the dollar. Even fuel as well as the prices of foodstuff in the market have gone down,” he stated.

On its part, the PDP said it would work with El-Rufai and others to rescue Nigeria from the APC.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, argued that El-Rufai, as a former member of the ruling party, now knows the party that has respect for the rule of law.

In response to a question about El-Rufai possibly joining the PDP, Ologunagba said the party membership is determined at the ward and local government levels.

He stated, “The membership of our party comes from the ward and local government, and the party is open with free entry and exit.

“We have already established the PDP as the only political party with the true interests of the people and any Nigerians who are willing to align with our constitution, placing people first and respecting our policies and the rule of law, will be welcome to work with us.”

He added, “Indeed, the interests of Nigerians should be the overriding priority. Nigerians know better now, and with all due respect to El-Rufai, he knows better. He was in the PDP and is now in the APC.

“I am sure he can make the distinction between where there is democracy, accommodation, the rule of law, and respect for Nigeria’s cultural and religious balance.”

Ologunagba praised the main opposition party as a party of principles and a platform that provides opportunities for Nigerians.

He stated, “The PDP is a party with a constitution that fosters peace. We don’t need to know someone to be a part of the party. If you’re accepted as a member, you belong, and there is no favouritism.

“This is why it is called the Peoples Democratic Party. Unlike others, you won’t find that kind of favouritism in our party. We stand by our principles and our constitution, and no one individual is bigger than the PDP.

“This party has been in existence since 1998 and continues to grow stronger. The foundation of this party is peace, democracy, the rule of law, people’s rights, and improving the lives of Nigerians. These principles and policies were reflected in the 15 years described as Nigeria’s golden years of democratic governance.

“Therefore, El-Rufai and many other Nigerians know that the PDP is the only party truly for the people and that protects the interests of the people.

“As a platform that provides opportunities for Nigerians, the PDP will be willing and ready to work with any Nigerian.”

The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party, on Wednesday, declared its readiness to welcome former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his supporters into the party as the race for the 2026 governorship election in the state gains momentum.

Aregbesola’s supporters in the Omoluabi Progressives had on Sunday announced their departure from the All Progressives Congress, citing maltreatment within the party.

Aregbesola commended the group for taking the step, as the group hinted at its willingness to join any political party that shares a progressive ideology, one that could make Osun a model state among Nigeria’s comity of states.

In a statement on Wednesday, Osun NNPP Chairman Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, welcomed the challenge of having Aregbesola and his supporters join the party.

He said, “Osun’s history will not be complete without a prominent mention of Aregbesola’s contributions. Nobody can say Ogbeni Aregbesola is a political liability in Osun. He is an asset, no doubt about it. Even his former political family knows the truth but is reluctant to admit it; otherwise, they wouldn’t be blaming him for their defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

“Having Aregbesola in Osun NNPP would undoubtedly boost the party’s chances in the 2027 general election. Our ideas align. We all desire to see the masses happy and living comfortably. Together, we can achieve this in Osun come 2026, and history will be kind to us all. With open arms, I invite Ogbeni Aregbesola and his group to join NNPP for a prosperous Osun.”

Meanwhile, the APC in Osun, on Wednesday, called on the public to disregard campaign posters of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announcing his interest in the 2026 governorship election.

The posters, which sought support for Oyetola in the 2026 elections, appeared in some parts of Osogbo, the state capital, on Monday.

The development fuelled speculation that the former governor may be interested in contesting for the APC ticket.

But in a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Mr. Kola Olabisi, the APC distanced itself from the campaign posters, labelling them the handiwork of the opposition.

“We know where the promoters of these fake posters are coming from and their mission to unsettle the party and cause chaos, which has yet to be either resolved or mitigated,” Olabisi said.

“Our disappointment, as the leading opposition party in Osun State, is that the faceless promoters and their misguided allies lack both tact and diplomacy. It is like the proverbial witch that roared yesterday and the child who died on the same day. Who doesn’t know that it was the evil witch that killed the innocent child?”

The statement further clarified that the state leader of the party, who is the immediate past governor of Osun State, did not authorise the printing or posting of any campaign material for any political ambition.

“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy did not instruct anyone to print or display any posters, whether for socio-political or economic purposes. The printing and posting of the posters are part of a propaganda strategy by the political detractors of Alhaji Oyetola. This attempt to unjustifiably tarnish his reputation in the eyes of our party members and supporters across Osun State has gone too far.”

“We are pleased that the metaphorical arrow shot by those seeking to sow division has missed its target. We expect more of these baseless stories from the disillusioned politicians who are deeply hurt by their expulsion from the progressive party,” the party said.