PDP Forum Condemns ‘Unlawful Invasion’ of Party Secretariat by Suspended Secretary Anyanwu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Ex-Officio Forum has strongly condemned what it termed the “unlawful invasion” of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alongside his supporters. The forum described the incident as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the PDP’s leadership structure while reaffirming its support for the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum.

The forum also applauded the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, which affirmed the PDP’s right to conduct its national convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. The judgment, delivered by Justice Ladiran Akintola, was hailed as a reinforcement of democratic principles and the rule of law within the party and the nation at large.

PDP Forum Condemns Secretariat Incident

According to the PDP National Ex-Officio Forum, the invasion unfolded on Tuesday when the Deputy National Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, accompanied by Senator Anyanwu and a number of supporters, entered the secretariat and announced himself as Acting National Chairman. The move reportedly caused tension within the party headquarters, prompting security forces to seal off the premises shortly afterward.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Clement Faboyede, and Secretary, Hassan Comfort, the group expressed “profound outrage” over the incident, describing it as a coordinated act of political disruption. The forum said journalists and staff members were harassed, media equipment damaged, and attempts allegedly made to suspend the acting chairman and other party leaders.

The statement condemned the action as a violation of the PDP constitution and an attack on the foundation of the party. “This was not merely an assault on individuals but an attempt to desecrate an institution built through decades of sacrifice, vision, and democratic commitment,” the forum said.

Court Ruling Lauded as Victory for Democracy

While reacting to the Oyo State High Court’s judgment permitting the national convention to proceed, the forum praised Justice Akintola for delivering what it described as a “courageous and patriotic” decision. It noted that the ruling reinforced faith in the judiciary as a defender of democratic processes.

According to the forum, the judgment serves as a reminder that the courts remain a critical bastion of stability in periods of internal political tension. “At a time when democracy faces internal sabotage, men of conscience like Justice Akintola reaffirm hope that the rule of law remains the last fortress of the people’s will,” the statement read.

Forum Reaffirms Support for Damagum

Reiterating its commitment to party unity, the forum pledged unwavering loyalty to Ambassador Damagum’s leadership. It vowed to defend the PDP’s integrity and values as the party prepares for its national convention and broader political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The forum urged party members to remain calm, united, and vigilant against political actions that may undermine internal cohesion. “The PDP shall remain resolute in safeguarding its legacy and championing democracy in Nigeria,” it stated.