A fresh forgery allegation by the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has intensified the internal crisis within the opposition party ahead of its national convention slated for November 15 in Ibadan.
Anyanwu accused the party leadership of forging his signature on a letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), notifying the Commission of plans for the convention.
In a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and INEC, dated October 15, Anyanwu alleged that his signature on the letter, dated August 25, 2025, was cloned without his knowledge or approval.
The letter in question, purportedly co-signed by Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and Anyanwu, was acknowledged by INEC on August 29. However, Anyanwu insists he neither signed nor authorised it, describing the act as “criminal and shocking.”
Petition to Security Agencies
In his petition titled “Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature,” the PDP National Secretary called for a full investigation into the matter, alleging collusion between certain party officials and unidentified INEC insiders.
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“My attention has been drawn to an official letter to INEC, dated August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me,” Anyanwu stated. “Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on such a document.”
He urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute all individuals involved, warning that such forgery, if unpunished, could undermine the integrity of the party’s internal democracy and Nigeria’s electoral process.
Party sources disclosed that a delegation led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki had earlier appealed to Anyanwu to sign the letter following the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, but he declined. Anyanwu maintains he never approved the document.
Division Over Legal Adviser’s Role
The controversy comes amid a deepening rift within the National Working Committee (NWC), where 14 members have reportedly signed a letter demanding the removal of the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
READ ALSO: Power Tussle in PDP NWC Deepens Ahead of Convention
Ajibade last week clashed in court with the Acting National Chairman, Damagum, during proceedings attended by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The case, filed by four state chairmen challenging the conduct of the planned convention, is before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
While Damagum had briefed Chief Chris Uche (SAN) to represent the party, Ajibade objected, insisting that only the National Legal Adviser is constitutionally empowered to assign legal representation. Justice Omotosho has directed both lawyers to provide documentary proof of their authorisation.
Internal Struggles Over Convention
The controversy over the authenticity of the INEC letter has further polarised the PDP’s leadership, reflecting a broader power tussle between factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the PDP Governors’ Forum.
The plaintiffs in the court case allege that the NWC violated the party’s constitution and internal procedures in preparing for the convention. Justice Omotosho has since cautioned all parties against taking actions that might compromise the ongoing litigation.
READ ALSO: PDP Postpones NEC Meeting Amid Wave of Defections
Sources within the party say the latest development is part of a prolonged leadership struggle that has paralysed decision-making ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ajibade Defends Tenure
In response to calls for his removal, Ajibade dismissed the move as illegal and politically motivated.
“I remain the authentic National Legal Adviser of the PDP,” he declared. “My purported removal is unconstitutional. Only a national convention has the power to remove me from office.”
The unfolding events have raised fresh doubts over the PDP’s readiness for its convention and its broader ability to recover from the internal crisis that has weakened it since the 2023 general elections.
With allegations of forgery, litigation, and open confrontation among key officials, the party now faces what observers describe as one of the most serious credibility tests in its 26-year history.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
