Samuel Anyanwu, a former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who has been suspended and later expelled from the party, has described the party’s recent national convention as a “jamboree” and claimed it was illegal.
Anyanwu made the statement in an interview on Channels Television’s program, Sunday Politics, following his expulsion along with other senior party members for what PDP described as anti-party activities.
The PDP held its national convention on Saturday, November 9, 2025, at which Kabiru Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, was elected as the new National Chairman. The event, which ran into the early hours of Sunday, was meant to consolidate leadership within the party and set the stage for future elections.
However, Anyanwu rejected the legitimacy of the convention, saying it did not follow due process. “Sixteen states had not even done their congresses; the entire South-East has not done their congress, suggesting that all that happened on Saturday was a jamboree. Even the ones done earlier have not been communicated to INEC,” he stated.
He also noted that several states were absent from the convention, arguing that the event could not be considered all-inclusive. “When I heard somebody yesterday at the convention, when they were celebrating, having their jamboree, saying that we must obey the rules of the party, I laughed,” he added.
The PDP’s national convention came amid internal tensions within the party, with multiple senior members accused of anti-party activities. Among those expelled alongside Anyanwu were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose. The party also dissolved its state structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states following the convention.
The move to expel senior members was initiated by PDP chieftain Bode George, who argued that the individuals’ actions were inconsistent with the collective interest of the party. The motion was seconded by the PDP chairman in Bauchi State and subsequently adopted by party members, with Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi putting the vote forward for ratification. The expulsion was unanimously accepted.
Speaking further, Anyanwu highlighted that the failure to hold congresses in 16 states, including the entire South-East, undermined the legitimacy of the convention. He also criticized the lack of communication between state structures and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “The absence of these states makes it impossible to claim that the convention was inclusive or legal,” he said.
Anyanwu argued that the convention was more of a political celebration than a properly conducted national meeting. According to him, the focus on celebration overshadowed the formal procedures and rules that the party is supposed to uphold.
The expelled PDP chieftain’s criticism comes at a time when the party is struggling to maintain internal unity, particularly after the 2025 general elections and the reshuffling of party leadership. Analysts have noted that the expulsion of high-profile members may deepen divisions within the party and weaken its cohesion ahead of future elections.
The dissolution of state structures in key regions like the South-East and South-South also raises questions about grassroots participation and the influence of party leaders at the local level. Critics argue that sidelining influential members could lead to reduced support from loyal party factions, potentially affecting PDP’s performance in upcoming elections.
Anyanwu’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about transparency, adherence to party rules, and inclusivity within the PDP. He has repeatedly called for proper procedures to be followed in all party activities, stressing that skipping congresses or ignoring state-level processes undermines the party’s credibility.
The former National Secretary’s position echoes wider frustrations among some PDP members who believe that the 2025 convention prioritized political celebrations over democratic processes. Political analysts suggest that the party must address these concerns if it hopes to maintain unity and regain the trust of its supporters.
The PDP now faces the challenge of balancing new leadership with the interests of its expelled and dissatisfied members. How the party manages internal dissent and communicates its plans for national and state-level congresses will determine its political trajectory in the coming years.
