The ongoing internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accused some individuals within the party of forging his signature on an official letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In petitions dated October 15 and submitted to INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police on October 16, Anyanwu distanced himself from the August 29 letter that notified INEC about the party’s planned November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his petition titled “Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Year 2025 Elective National Convention: Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature,” the PDP scribe declared that the letter bearing his signature was neither signed nor authorised by him.
He urged security agencies to launch an immediate investigation, describing the act as a criminal forgery that could further undermine the PDP’s unity and public credibility ahead of the crucial convention.
“Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged version of my signature on the document,” Anyanwu wrote.
“I therefore request that this criminal conduct by officers of the PDP and their collaborators within INEC be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.”
The forgery controversy adds to an already volatile situation within the party, as a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25) filed by aggrieved PDP chieftains seeks to stop the forthcoming convention. The plaintiffs — including Imo and Abia PDP chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna, and the South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George — accused the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of violating the party’s constitution and internal rules.
Defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and other top party figures.
During Tuesday’s court proceedings, a dispute over legal representation forced Justice James Omotosho to adjourn the case to October 20, directing both Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN) — who claimed to represent the PDP — to present proof of authorisation and exchange documents by October 17.
Meanwhile, a separate letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 NWC members announced the removal of the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, over alleged compromise, and the appointment of Chris Uche (SAN) in his place.
Ajibade has, however, rejected his purported removal, insisting that only a national convention can relieve him of his duties, and maintaining that he remains the legitimate legal adviser.
The escalating tension has also been fuelled by grievances among allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, particularly over leadership disputes in the South-South, control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, and disagreements over micro-zoning arrangements for the upcoming convention.
In his closing remarks, Anyanwu warned that the alleged forgery represented a serious breach of trust and legality within the PDP, urging authorities to uncover those behind the act and ensure accountability.
“This is a criminal act that threatens the integrity of our party. I implore INEC, DSS, and the police to take urgent steps to expose and prosecute those behind the forged document,” he wrote.
