The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in internal turmoil following serious allegations of signature forgery leveled by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Anyanwu has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), asserting that his signature was forged and cloned on a crucial notice for the party's forthcoming national convention.

In three separate letters, all dated October 15, 2025, Anyanwu detailed his claims, specifically citing a document referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol.1M/25-140, dated August 25, 2025. He stated unequivocally that this letter, which was transmitted to INEC, was done so without his knowledge, authorization, or signature, branding it as "fake." The National Secretary expressed profound shock at the discovery of a "forged or cloned version of my signature on the letter" and urged the respective agencies to launch a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators, and ensure their prosecution for what he described as "criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their collaborators within INEC."

However, the PDP leadership has swiftly dismissed Anyanwu's allegations, insisting that the letter in question was legitimately co-signed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum. This stance is corroborated by checks reportedly conducted by "The Guardian," which revealed that Anyanwu did indeed co-sign the document. The party has reiterated its commitment to holding the national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, as planned, emphasizing that the claims will not impede the process.

Further complicating the narrative, discussions at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting brought this issue to the forefront. During this meeting, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, publicly announced that "all communication to INEC has been signed by our National Working Committee (NWC)." Significantly, Senator Anyanwu, who was present, reportedly did not raise any objection to this statement in front of party leaders, stakeholders, and INEC observers. A member of the party’s NEC from the South-East suggested to "The Guardian" that Anyanwu might have had a change of mind, possibly under "outside influence," prompting him to raise the forgery allegation now, with the intent to create "doubts and confusion," despite the NWC being united in its resolve for the convention.

The internal discord appears to stem from pre-existing tensions within the party. Anyanwu is understood to be an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Reports indicate that Anyanwu is at loggerheads with the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other members of the NWC who are loyal to the PDP Governors Forum. This situation follows a Supreme Court ruling in March that nullified a previous judgment which had sacked Anyanwu as national secretary, though Damagum's subsequent request for Anyanwu to resume his role was described as a "difficult" resolution.

Despite the legal dispute, the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, has expressed optimism that the convention will proceed as scheduled. Speaking in Abuja, Osuoha acknowledged that the matter is already before the court, confirming its subjudice status. He expressed confidence that the party would navigate the legal challenges, stating, "By the grace of God, we’ll survive it and still go ahead with the convention."