By John Audu, Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening crisis as the police investigate allegations of forgery linked to its constitution. The probe follows a directive from a Wuse Magistrate Court in Abuja, acting on a Direct Criminal Complaint filed by Hon. Mike Akwaa-Akwuru Iheanetu, a former Minority Whip of the Imo State House of Assembly.
At least two officials from the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja were reportedly invited by the FCT Police for questioning last week. They are expected to return with authenticated copies of the party’s constitution and election guidelines as approved during Chief Uche Secondus’ tenure as PDP National Chairman. Representatives from the printing company that produced the disputed documents are also assisting the investigation.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the PDP, has contested his removal in the Supreme Court, alleging that the judgment against him was based on forged documents. He claimed the forged constitution and election guidelines were presented in court to support the argument that his bid to reclaim his position after running for Imo State governor was unconstitutional. Anyanwu cited the case of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who re-entered the governorship race after an unsuccessful presidential bid, as a precedent that contradicts the claims against him.
Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, recently endorsed by the PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) as Anyanwu’s replacement, dismissed the allegations, stating that the accusers must provide concrete evidence of forgery. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, indicated that an update would be provided following further inquiries.
Iheantu’s complaint, filed through his lawyer Kalu Kalu Agu, alleged that certain individuals manipulated the party’s election guidelines, causing confusion and crisis within the PDP. The legal team argued that their client had suffered irreparable harm due to the use of the forged guidelines and sought justice through the court.
Meanwhile, the South-South Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the PDP has suspended its Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu, for one month over alleged misconduct and an unauthorized public statement. Omemu had issued a statement discrediting a PDP meeting held in Benin, Edo State, claiming it was illegal. His suspension was moved by Rivers Assembly factional Speaker Martin Amaewhule and seconded by Representative Godwin Offiono. The ZEC appointed George Turnah, the Zonal Legal Adviser, as Acting Zonal Secretary in his place.
Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman for the South-South, welcomed Omemu’s suspension and emphasized the importance of internal discipline in stabilizing the party. He criticized the lack of a reward system for loyal party members, which he argued had weakened PDP’s political structure. Orbih stressed that restoring internal democracy and ensuring that party decisions align with constitutional provisions were crucial for the PDP’s future.
Amid ongoing internal turmoil, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal attributed recent defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to what he termed “stomach infrastructure.” Speaking at a PDP North-West leaders’ meeting in Kaduna, Tambuwal dismissed the defectors as individuals prioritizing personal gain over national interest. He urged committed PDP members to unite and strategize for the 2027 elections to replace what he described as a “rudderless” administration.
Senator Bello Hayatu, Chairman of PDP’s North-West Zone, echoed Tambuwal’s sentiments, calling for unity and swift conflict resolution within the party. He emphasized that despite setbacks in the 2023 elections, the PDP retained a strong grassroots base and must focus on consolidating its support to reclaim power in upcoming elections.
