Anthony Ailemen
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has debunked claims by Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary that the party forged his signature in document sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This is as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared that the November 15 and 16 elective convention of the party will proceed as planned despite the challenges faced by the party.
Adeleke stated in Abuja while speaking with journalists after the inaugural meeting of the accomodation sub-committee of the convention, headed by him.
“We just finished the inaugural meeting of the accomodation sub-committee. Everybody was present at our recent meeting, and we have resolved everything that needed to be sorted out so that the convention can proceed smoothly” he said
Adeleke expressed confidence the convention will be very successful, noted that the “PDP believes in proper organisation, in doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law.”
“We have successfully organised many conventions in the past, and this one will be even more successful”, adding that the “PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
He also assured that the party will resolve it differences internally.
“It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the matter, we are handling it ourselves. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.”
Adeleke, while also speaking on defections of some governors to the APC, said it was within the rights of the defectors to make their decisions and live with them.
“I’m not concerned. Anybody, whether a governor or a minister, has the right to make their own decision. That does not change anything in the PDP. We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. They are adults and have their reasons for leaving, but I am not worried.”
The Osun State Governor used the opportunity to debunk claims that he was planning to also join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen attending their events. I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend.
“That doesn’t mean I’m joining them. As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our convention, which holds on the 15th and 16th of November, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the accommodation sub committee.
“The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.
“Our focus is on unity, organisation and success. By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength. Thank you, and God bless you all.”
Speaking on the allegations of forgery, Debo Ologuagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, recalled that at the 101 NEC meeting, the party, had mandated Anyanwu and Umar Damagum, the party’s National Chairman to kick start work on the convention by communicating with relevant agencies, including the INEC
According to Ologuagba, the “NEC approved the 2025 elective national convention schedule of activities and timetable.
“Under the approved timetable, we have the elective national convention to elect new set of national officers of our party that will hold on Saturday, 15th to 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
“Consequently, NEC directed the national chairman, Damagum, and the national secretary, Senator Samuel Ayamu, to officially write to inform INEC. This was the meeting of 24th of July.
“NEC directed the national chairman and national secretary to officially write to inform the independent national electoral commission, INEC, of the time, the venue, and the agenda for the national elective convention. In accordance with the requirement of section 82.1 of the electoral act 2022, and part two, of the regulations and guidelines for political parties 2022.
“Accordingly, NEC also approved the membership composition of the national convention committee, which we call the National Convention Organizing Committee, as well as membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which was approved at the 101 meeting of 24th of July.
“Now, fast forward the 102nd NEC meeting, which was on the 25th of August, 2025. The chairman and the national secretary, Senator Anyamu, wrote letters.
“That meeting of the 25th of August was preceded by a meeting of governors, NWC members, leaders of the party, in this building, in the office of the national chairman, where every member here from the NWC were present.
“Others at the meeting are; Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State; Bala Abulkadir Muhammad, the governor of Bauchi state, he was there at the meeting before the NEC meeting, in the office of the chairman, where Senator Anyamu was present. The legal adviser was present. The national organising secretary was present.
“Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the governor of Osun State was present; Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State; Dauda Lawa, governor of Zamfara State. Senator Bukola Saraki were present. Kabiru Tamiru Taraki, SAN, was present. Babangida Aliu was present. All National Working Committee (NWC) members were present.
“At that meeting, four letters were signed, on the 25th of August, before this gentleman and members that are seated here, four letters were written and signed in their presence in the office of the national chairman and these are the letters, I will identify them.
“The letter to INEC, signed by Senator Anyanwu and the chairman. The 101 NEC meeting directed them to issue a letter of notice, conveying time, date, venue, and agenda of the national convention at Ibadan.
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“The letter on the elective convention, with the date, and of course the venue, was signed by him. Another letter that was signed that day, by him, with the chairman, was the composition of the elective national convention membership, which was signed by him and the chairman.
“That’s the second letter that was signed. The third letter that was signed at that same meeting, at the same time, before the same gentleman, was notice, and listen to this, notice of repeal of the Southeast 2025 Zonal Congresses of People’s Democratic Party, in accordance with section 82-1.
“That letter was signed by him and the chairman. And the last letter was notice of repeat congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi State, post one to section 82-1 of the electoral act. So these four letters were signed at the same time, at the same venue, before these gentleman.” he said.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
