Wike Seizes the Wheel — Anyanwu Returns as PDP Secretary, Signs INEC Memo on Anambra Poll
By: IDNN Politics Desk – Strategic Affairs
The internal battle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has entered a decisive phase, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emerging as the de facto kingmaker. His ally, Samuel Anyanwu, resumed duty as National Secretary and—without delay—signed the crucial INEC nomination letter for PDP’s Anambra governorship candidates.
The move, confirmed late Monday, coincided with the final submission window to INEC, making Wike’s position inside the party official and legally binding.
“Only the National Chairman or Secretary can sign candidate nominations,” Wike reminded reporters. “I’m not tearing PDP apart—I’m making sure it doesn’t self-destruct legally.”
The letter—dated May 7, 2025, and addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—listed Jude C. Ezenwafor as governorship flagbearer with Hon. Okene Francis Chukwudi as running mate.
Insiders say the action consolidates Wike’s control, as Anyanwu’s return ends months of ambiguity following a Supreme Court ruling in March.
Legal Precision, Political Intimidation?
With INEC rejecting any correspondence not signed by the legally recognised secretary, Wike’s team has cornered the technical playing field.
Observers say this not only locks down PDP’s legal legitimacy but also positions Wike to call the shots heading into the May 27 NEC meeting and 2027 power negotiations.
Wike declared:
“Any NEC not convened by Anyanwu is dead on arrival. I will challenge it in court. That’s not a threat—that’s Supreme Court law.”
Governors in a Bind, Saraki Committee Activated
While Wike moved with surgical precision, PDP governors and ex-governors held an emergency summit Sunday night. The fallout? A 7-man “PDP Strategy Committee on Way Forward” chaired by Bukola Saraki.
But insiders say it’s already checkmate—Wike’s camp controls the national chairman, national secretary, key NWC officials, and now strategic access to INEC.
CP-PDP Calls for Wike’s Expulsion
The pressure’s not all one-way. A group, Conference of Professionals in PDP (CP-PDP), is demanding Wike’s immediate expulsion, citing his support for APC victories and televised threats to sue PDP over internal procedures.
“How can someone who campaigns for APC still influence PDP decisions?” asked CP-PDP Chair Obinna Nwachukwu. “Wike must go before NEC or the party collapses under his weight.”
Strategic Implications: Who Really Runs PDP?
With Anyanwu’s signature on INEC letters, Wike now controls candidate certification, NEC notifications, and the 2027 ticketing framework.
The question isn’t whether he’s in control—it’s what he’ll do with it.
Will he push PDP to support a northern presidential candidate, aligning with APC’s rotational strategy? Or will he gamble on a southern consensus to split opposition and weaken Tinubu’s rivals?
Either way, Wike isn’t just a player—he’s writing the playbook