By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged on official correspondence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claim as false, mischievous, and aimed at derailing preparations for the party’s forthcoming national convention.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said Anyanwu personally signed the letter notifying INEC of the convention, which is scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Ologunagba maintained that the signing took place in the presence of governors, National Working Committee (NWC) members, and other senior party leaders.
“People can have alternative propaganda and twist stories, but there is no alternative to facts,” Ologunagba declared. “Interestingly, the alleged forgery has already been reported to the security agencies, the DSS and the police and we expect a proper investigation because forgery is a serious crime.”
He also recalled that at the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Anyanwu was present and duly listed as number four on the attendance register, while INEC representatives were also in attendance. According to Ologunagba, the NEC approved both the timetable and the composition of the National Convention Organising Committee and the Zoning Committee, directing Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and the National Secretary to formally notify INEC in accordance with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The NWC spokesman explained that the letters in question were signed on August 25, ahead of the party’s 102nd NEC meeting, in the presence of key figures including the PDP Governors.
He described Anyanwu’s forgery allegation as a calculated distraction, pointing out that the National Secretary subsequently acted on the same documents in his role as Subcommittee Secretary for Contact and Mobilisation.
The PDP spokesperson warned that misleading security agencies into “a wild goose chase” carries legal consequences, but expressed confidence that an open investigation would vindicate the party’s leadership.
The forgery controversy comes amid renewed internal wrangling ahead of the November convention, with loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said to be uneasy about the continued leadership of Acting National Chairman, Damagum. Political observers say the dispute underscores ongoing divisions in the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
