The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently grappling with an escalating internal leadership crisis, a situation that became particularly evident on Wednesday with a clear rejection by the party's national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, of a decision concerning the Akwa Ibom State executive. This widening rift involves key figures within the national leadership, raising concerns just ahead of the party's crucial national convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State. The discord highlights significant disagreements over procedural matters and the authority of national officers.

The immediate catalyst for the latest escalation was the announcement by Hon Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary, regarding the dissolution of the PDP executive committee in Akwa Ibom State and the subsequent constitution of a caretaker committee under Igwat Umoren. However, Senator Anyanwu swiftly countered this move, issuing a letter dated October 1 to the Akwa Ibom State chairman, Aniekan Akpan, instructing him to continue in his duties. Anyanwu emphatically declared the dissolution "null and void," directly challenging the authority and validity of Ologunagba's pronouncement.

In his detailed letter to Akpan, Anyanwu clarified his position, stating, “My attention has been drawn to the purported press release by the National Publicity Secretary of our party, announcing the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Akwa Ibom State.” He then firmly instructed, “For purposes of clarity, that press release should be discountenanced, because there was no formal sitting of the National Working Committee in which such decision was taken.” Furthermore, Anyanwu underscored a critical procedural point: “It is not in the official position and duties of the National Publicity Secretary to take actions relating to the implementation of the decisions of the National Working Committee of our great party, as a result, the purported press release is null and void and of no effect. The State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party Akwa Ibom State stands undissolved.” This directly implies a lack of proper process and authority behind Ologunagba's action.

This incident is not an isolated one, as previous disagreements have also surfaced within the PDP's top echelons. Prior to the Akwa Ibom situation, Senator Anyanwu had already found himself at odds with the national chairman of the PDP, Illiya Damagum, concerning the conduct of congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi States. This earlier clash manifested in conflicting letters dispatched to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Damagum had advocated for a postponement of these congresses, while Anyanwu, through a separate correspondence, staunchly insisted that the congresses should proceed as planned. These repeated instances of internal friction underscore a deeper struggle for control and adherence to party protocols within the national leadership.

The cumulative effect of these disputes creates a volatile environment for the PDP as it approaches its national convention. The party's ability to present a united front and effectively address key policy issues may be significantly hampered if these leadership rifts continue to fester. The upcoming convention in Ibadan will likely be a critical juncture for resolving these internal power struggles and reaffirming the official hierarchy and decision-making processes within the party.