PDP Governors’ Forum’s Overreach and Its Implications for Party Democracy

 PDP Governors’ Forum’s Overreach and Its Implications for Party Democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) held its 4th meeting in 2025 in Ibadan, issuing resolutions that directly encroach upon the constitutional powers of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC). While some decisions appear strategic, others violate the PDP Constitution, undermine internal democracy, and threaten the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

This summary critically examines the unconstitutional actions of the Governors’ Forum, their implications for party supremacy, and the urgent need for the NWC—led by Acting Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum—to reclaim its authority.

Key Issues & Constitutional Violations. Usurpation of NWC/NEC Powers. The PDP Constitution (2017) explicitly assigns critical functions to the NWC and NEC, including: Appointing acting officers (e.g., National Secretary) – Article 47(6). Constituting committees (Zoning, Convention) – Article 29(2)(b). Convening NEC meetings & setting convention dates – Articles 31 & 33.

The Governors’ Forum unilaterally recommended the Deputy National Secretary to act without NWC/NEC approval.They pre-selected members for the Zoning & Convention Committees, a role reserved for the NWC proposing and NEC ratifying. They fixed the NEC meeting (May 27) and Convention dates (August 28-30)—powers belonging to NEC, not Governors.

This undermines party hierarchy, making the NWC a rubber-stamp body rather than an independent administrative organ. Unconstitutional Meddling in Party Affairs The Forum’s actions constitute interference because The Governors’ Forum is not a recognized organ in the PDP Constitution—its role is advisory, not binding.

No constitutional provision allows Governors to impose committee structures or override NWC/NEC decisions. The NWC is the administrative engine of the party, yet the Governors are dictating terms, weakening institutional governance.

If unchecked, this sets a dangerous precedent where elected officials (Governors) hijack party structures, sidelining democratic processes Deliberate Weakening of the Party.

The Forum’s moves suggest a long-term strategy to Centralize power under Governors, reducing the NWC’s influence. Undermine Acting Chairman Damagum, making him subservient to Governors’ interests. Create factional loyalty, where party decisions flow from Governors rather than constitutional organs. This could lead to internal rebellion (e.g., BoT, National Assembly Caucus rejecting decisions), further fragmenting the PDP.

The Forum’s rejection of the Supreme Court’s judgment (on the National Secretary) is hypocritical. They claim to oppose "rape of democracy" (State of Emergency in Rivers) yet disregard the Supreme Court’s authority on party matters. Instead of complying with the Court’s decision, they recommended an acting secretary, effectively circumventing the ruling. This erodes public trust in the PDP’s commitment to rule of law and judicial independence.

The PDP Constitution does not recognize the Governors’ Forum as a decision-making body. Its resolutions are non-binding unless adopted by the NWC/NEC. The NWC must publicly clarify that Governors’ decisions are mere suggestions, not directives.

The Deputy National Secretary cannot act without NWC nomination and NEC ratification (Article 47(6). The Governors’ declaration is unconstitutional and null/void. If enforced, this could lead to legal battles, further destabilizing the party.

As long as Samuel Anyanwu is alive, competent, and has not formally resigned or been constitutionally removed, no individual or group has the authority to replace him. His position remains valid under the law and the governing documents of PDP. Any attempt to install another person as National Secretary is null, void, and of no effect.

There is no vacancy in the office of the National Secretary, and any purported appointment or election of a replacement is illegal and unacceptable.

A competent court of jurisdiction, the Federal High Court in Abuja, has issued a restraining order barring any individual or group from parading themselves or acting in the capacity of National Secretary without the express approval of Samuel Anyanwu. The position of National Secretary is not vacant, and Samuel Anyanwu remains the only authorized occupant of the office.

We urge all members, stakeholders, and the public to disregard any false claims regarding the position of the National Secretary. Samuel Ayanwu is, and remains, the legitimate National Secretary.

The Acting National Chairman risks complicity if he does not Publicly reject the Governors’ unconstitutional overreach. Convene an emergency NWC/NEC meeting to reassert party supremacy. Nullify all illegal appointments (acting secretary, pre-selected committees). Sanction Governors attempting to undermine the party’s constitution.

If Damagum remains silent, he enables a creeping dictatorship, setting a disastrous precedent for future NWC leaders.

The Governors’ Forum’s overreach is a direct attack on the PDP’s constitutional order. If the NWC, led by Damagum, fails to act, the party risks Total erosion of internal democracy, Factionalization ahead of 2027, Loss of credibility as a democratic alternative to APC.

The time to reclaim party supremacy is NOW. The NWC must rise to the occasion or risk historical blame for the PDP’s decline.