Crisis Brews in PDP as Staff Stage Office Shutdown Over Anyanwu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thrown into fresh turmoil on Monday as staff at the party’s national secretariat staged a dramatic walkout in protest against Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s attempt to reclaim the position of National Secretary.
In a show of defiance and loyalty to the National Working Committee (NWC), staff members locked their offices and vacated the premises shortly after Anyanwu arrived at the headquarters in Abuja, reportedly accompanied by suspected thugs and aides.
The protest followed the recent appointment of Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary by the NWC, a move publicly backed by secretariat staff in May. Many viewed Anyanwu’s return as a hostile takeover and a direct challenge to the authority of the party’s leadership.
According to sources, Anyanwu headed straight to the national secretary’s office with his aides, only to be met with a near-empty building as staff swiftly exited in protest.
“Anyanwu and his people walked into the building and made their way straight to the national secretary’s office,” one staff member said.
The standoff left the party secretariat deserted, with workers insisting they would not return until Anyanwu vacated the premises. One insider revealed that the senator, sensing the resistance and isolation, was quietly advised by his aides to leave to avoid further embarrassment.
“When he saw the hostile atmosphere and realised no staff remained, only his entourage, his aides persuaded him to exit,” the source added.
Beyond the walkout, deeper suspicions are festering within the PDP. Some staff have alleged that Anyanwu may be working as a political saboteur, accusing him of being a “mole” planted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections. While the claim remains unverified, it reflects the high level of distrust and division among party stakeholders.
The incident has renewed concerns about the PDP’s internal cohesion and its readiness to serve as a credible opposition force. With growing factionalism and unresolved leadership disputes, observers warn that the party’s electoral prospects could suffer if unity is not urgently restored.
As of press time, the PDP has not issued an official response to the incident, and efforts to reach the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful.
