In a move that underscores ongoing factional dynamics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the party in Imo State has formally endorsed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the national leader of the party.
The announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Owerri by the state chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, bringing together party elders, elected representatives, and key party figures from across Imo State.
The meeting sought to unify party structures in the face of growing tensions at the national level and reaffirm the faction’s commitment to internal democracy and the PDP’s constitutional provisions.
Speaking at the gathering, Nwachukwu highlighted the importance of Wike’s leadership in stabilizing and growing the party over the years.
He noted that Wike’s stewardship and political influence had contributed significantly to the PDP’s expansion, turning it from controlling just four states in 2015 to 16 in subsequent election cycles.
“We stand by a leader whose experience and commitment have consistently strengthened the party.
“Wike’s role as a stabilizing force cannot be overstated, and his vision aligns with the PDP’s core values, ” he said.
Alongside the endorsement of Wike, stakeholders also expressed unwavering support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who serves as the National Secretary of their faction.
Party officials praised Anyanwu for his dedication to building and maintaining party structures at both state and national levels.
They described him as a reliable administrator and a representative of Imo State whose leadership has consistently promoted discipline and organizational coherence within the PDP.
The meeting also recognised the contributions of AbdulRahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Maho Ohabunwa as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
According to participants, their leadership roles complement the faction’s ongoing efforts to reposition the party for greater electoral success and organizational stability.
The endorsement takes place against the backdrop of widening divisions within the PDP nationally.
The rival faction led by Umar Damagum had earlier expelled Wike, Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, citing anti-party activities.
This faction also held a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where it elected former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, to a leadership position.
In retaliation, Wike’s loyalists countered by expelling Damagum and two governors aligned with his faction, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The tensions between the factions recently escalated to physical confrontations over access to the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja, reflecting the depth of the internal crisis.
Despite these challenges, the Imo PDP faction emphasised that it remains “an undivided entity,” urging members to focus on unity and discipline in preparation for the next election cycle.
Nwachukwu called on party faithful to work collaboratively toward strengthening the PDP’s structures and improving its prospects of returning to governance in the state.
Observers note that the developments in Imo State illustrate the broader contest for control within the PDP nationally, with competing factions seeking to assert influence over party machinery ahead of the next general elections.
Political analysts suggested that the Imo PDP’s endorsement of Wike may bolster his position in ongoing negotiations at the national level, while also solidifying the faction’s influence within the southeastern states.
As the party navigates these internal disputes, the outcome of the Imo stakeholders’ meeting signals a continued effort to maintain cohesion and assert leadership credibility in a period of intense political maneuvering.
The coming months are expected to test the faction’s ability to translate unity at the state level into effective influence nationally.
