The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong clarification regarding the authorship of a recent official communication concerning the party’s activities in Anambra State, particularly as it relates to the upcoming governorship election. The party has affirmed that the letter in question was signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, and not by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
This clarification follows recent confusion and media reports suggesting that Senator Anyanwu, who is also a gubernatorial aspirant in Imo State, may have signed the letter, a move that would have potentially sparked controversy given his direct political interests and current role within the party.
In a statement made available to journalists by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasized that Senator Anyanwu did not, and could not have, signed the letter due to his involvement in the Imo State governorship contest. The party made it clear that in line with its internal procedures and constitution, Anyanwu formally stepped aside from official duties as National Secretary to focus on his campaign, making it impossible for him to carry out any secretarial function at the national level.
“The PDP wishes to clarify that the letter relating to the Anambra State chapter of the party, which has been a subject of public discourse, was signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo,” Ologunagba stated. “This clarification has become necessary to correct misleading impressions and avoid unnecessary controversy that may be detrimental to the unity and public image of the party.”
Ologunagba explained further that since Senator Anyanwu had officially withdrawn from his duties as National Secretary following his declaration to contest the Imo State gubernatorial seat under the PDP, all responsibilities associated with his office have been taken up by his deputy, as stipulated by the party’s constitution.
He reiterated that there is no ambiguity in the roles of party officials, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as gubernatorial elections and internal party administration. “The PDP remains a law-abiding and democratic institution guided by its constitution and established rules. Our procedures are clear when a national officer is vying for an elective position. The person must step aside to allow fair play, neutrality, and proper functioning of the office,” the statement added.
This clarification also comes amid internal tensions and strategic realignments within the PDP ahead of the Anambra 2025 governorship elections. With political actors jostling for prominence and positioning within the party structure, such misattributions could be exploited to sow discord or promote factional interests, hence the party’s swift intervention to set the record straight.
Political observers note that this clarification by the PDP is timely and necessary, particularly as the party works to rebuild its support base in the South-East region. The PDP has faced significant challenges in Anambra State in recent years, with previous governorship elections resulting in losses to rival parties. As such, the party is under pressure to present a united front and conduct a transparent and credible primary process that will produce a viable candidate for the 2025 election.
Meanwhile, party stakeholders in Anambra have been urged to focus on strengthening grassroots mobilization and internal unity as the electoral season approaches. The PDP leadership at the national level has promised to ensure fairness and inclusiveness in the selection of its gubernatorial candidate.
Hon. Koshoedo, who signed the letter, is expected to play a more visible role in party administration until a substantive National Secretary resumes duty or until Senator Anyanwu completes his involvement in the Imo State gubernatorial race.
Analysts have commended the PDP for addressing the issue promptly, as it underscores the importance of institutional transparency and the need to uphold internal party democracy. It is widely believed that resolving such matters with clarity will go a long way in restoring public trust and reassuring party loyalists of the leadership’s commitment to due process.
In closing, the PDP appealed to the media, stakeholders, and the general public to always verify the authenticity of party documents and official communications before drawing conclusions or disseminating information.
“The PDP remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions and providing credible alternatives to the Nigerian people. We urge our members and supporters to stay united and committed to the vision of the party,” Ologunagba concluded.
