PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens Over Anyanwu's Legitimacy

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a deepening leadership crisis as factions clash over the legitimacy of Samuel Anyanwu, the party's national secretary. Zonal chairmen are signaling readiness to assume interim control amid ongoing legal battles that could overturn the current leadership structure.

This situation escalated following a judgment from the Federal Capital Territory High Court on January 12, 2026, which dismissed Anyanwu's suit and affirmed his expulsion from the party. The North East zonal chairman, Babangida Maddibo, has urged caution as pressure mounts on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognize Anyanwu.

The crisis traces back to March 2025 when Anyanwu was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Despite legal uncertainties, Anyanwu organized a convention on March 29-30, 2026, in Abuja, which resulted in Abdulrahman Moham retaining his position as national chairman.

The Turaki faction warns of severe consequences if Anyanwu's expulsion is upheld, indicating that the party's structure may collapse.