PDP Board of Trustees Rejects Anyanwu’s Forgery Claims as “False and Baseless”
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly refuted allegations of forgery and signature cloning leveled by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, labeling them as “false, baseless, and misleading.” In a statement issued on October 24, 2025, by BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara in Abuja, the body highlighted Anyanwu’s own participation in key party activities as evidence against his claims.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy erupted following Anyanwu’s assertion that his signature had been cloned on an official letter dispatched to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This letter notified INEC of the PDP’s planned convention in 2025. Anyanwu’s complaint, made public earlier this week, accused party leaders of unauthorized use of his signature, sparking concerns over internal transparency within the opposition party.
Party observers view the allegation as potentially linked to simmering power struggles ahead of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the 2025 convention, where leadership positions will be contested.
BoT’s Key Rebuttals
Wabara’s statement directly addressed the core of Anyanwu’s claims, emphasizing procedural integrity:
- Witnessed Signing: “You signed in the presence of party leaders,” Wabara noted, referring to documented instances where Anyanwu personally endorsed post-NEC documents during leadership meetings.
- No Evidence of Forgery: An internal BoT review found “zero evidence of wrongdoing or manipulation,” underscoring that all signatures were verified and authentic.
- Active Involvement Undermines Claims: The BoT pointed out Anyanwu’s subsequent participation in convention-related tasks as proof that he was fully aware and consenting to the communications sent to INEC.
Wabara urged party members to “disregard this distraction,” framing the episode as an attempt to derail the PDP’s repositioning efforts for upcoming elections, including the 2027 general polls.
Broader Implications for PDP
This internal rift comes at a sensitive time for the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, as it prepares for:
- Screening of Aspirants: Scheduled for October 28, 2025, for National Working Committee (NWC) positions.
- Convention Planning: Aimed at unifying the party post-2023 election setbacks.
The BoT reaffirmed its “unwavering confidence” in the current PDP leadership, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, and called for unity to uphold “transparency and collective responsibility.” Insiders suggest Anyanwu’s move may stem from his ambitions for higher roles, but it risks deepening factional divides.
Reactions and Next Steps
- Party Insiders: Sources within the PDP describe the allegation as “politically motivated,” urging swift resolution to avoid INEC scrutiny.
- Public Sentiment: Social media buzz on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shows mixed views, with some hailing the BoT’s quick response as a sign of stability, while others demand an independent probe.
The PDP has yet to issue a formal response from Anyanwu’s side, but the BoT’s dismissal appears to close the matter for now. Further developments are expected as the party gears up for its October 28 screening exercise.
For the full BoT statement, refer to official PDP channels or recent reports from credible outlets.