The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged in official correspondence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the party’s upcoming elective convention.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the forgery claim as “unfounded, misleading, and damaging to the image of the party.”
“Let it be on record that the signature on the letters submitted to INEC was affixed by Senator Anyanwu himself.
“We have documents, communications, and correspondences that clearly show his direct involvement and approval, ” he said.
The controversy erupted after Senator Anyanwu petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector General of Police, alleging that his signature had been forged on letters notifying INEC of the PDP’s national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Anyanwu, who is also the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State, had claimed he did not authorise the communication, raising concerns of internal sabotage.
However, Ologunagba insisted the National Secretary was fully aware and had actively participated in meetings and exchanges relating to the planned convention.
“The party leadership has records of WhatsApp messages, emails, and minutes of meetings where Senator Anyanwu not only acknowledged the arrangements but also made contributions as secretary of the Contact and Mobilization Committee,” Ologunagba said.
Flanked by several senior party officials at the media briefing, Ologunagba said the party would not tolerate attempts to mislead the public or tarnish the integrity of its internal processes.
“This is not a time for cheap blackmail or political brinkmanship.
”Senator Anyanwu remains a key figure in our party, but these claims are regrettable and capable of distracting from our collective objectives,” he added.
When asked whether disciplinary actions could be taken against the National Secretary, Ologunagba responded, “the matter is being reviewed internally.
”The party will act according to its constitution and in the interest of unity and discipline.”
Meanwhile, sources within the PDP hinted that Anyanwu’s allegations may be politically motivated, coming just weeks before the Imo State governorship election, in which he is a major contender.
One party official, who asked not to be named, said, “there are factions and tensions, no doubt, especially with the Imo election so close.
”But this forgery claim is a dangerous precedent and a distraction.”
The development comes amid an order by the court asking all parties to maintain the status quo over the conduct of the PDP convention, which has been contested by some aggrieved stakeholders.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Anyanwu has not publicly responded to the PDP’s rebuttal or the documents presented to debunk his claims.
