The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, effectively ending months of internal conflict and uncertainty over the position.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced the decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to unity and the rule of law.

Anyanwu, a former senator representing Imo East, was elected National Secretary during the PDP National Convention in 2021. However, his position became the subject of internal dispute in 2023 after he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the Imo State governorship election.

Following his nomination, several factions within the PDP argued that Anyanwu had automatically vacated his position as national secretary, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit officeholders from retaining party positions while contesting elective office. The controversy triggered legal battles and competing claims to the secretariat, including efforts by some party members to install an acting secretary.

After Anyanwu’s unsuccessful bid in the 2023 Imo governorship election—where he lost to APC incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma—his supporters began pushing for his reinstatement, arguing that he had only temporarily stepped aside to contest the poll.

Following weeks of internal consultations and legal review, the NWC has now resolved the issue in his favour.

“The decision reflects the NWC’s commitment to party unity and the rule of law,” Damagum stated.

The move is widely seen as an attempt to stabilize the PDP’s internal structure and prepare the party for upcoming political contests, including the 2027 general elections. It also marks a step toward reconciling the party’s factions and strengthening its position as Nigeria’s main opposition party.