By Sandra Ugwu 

The leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated following allegations by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged on an official document sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Anyanwu has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and INEC over the alleged forgery, which he said was aimed at misleading the commission regarding the party’s forthcoming national convention.

In separate petitions dated October 15 and received by the agencies on October 16, Anyanwu denied authorising or signing the letter dated August 29, 2025, which communicated the PDP’s plans to hold its National Convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He described the development as “criminal,” alleging that some party officials, in collaboration with individuals within INEC, forged and cloned his signature. He also attached a copy of the disputed letter to aid investigations.

The petitions, obtained by PUNCH Online, have further deepened the rift within the opposition party, which is already grappling with multiple internal disputes ahead of the convention.

Tensions have been running high between allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the camp of the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, over zoning arrangements, party control in key states, and leadership positions.

The infighting has already spilled into the courts. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna, along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of violating the party’s constitution and internal election rules. The plaintiffs are seeking to halt the planned convention.

At the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, was adjourned to October 20 following a dispute between two Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Chief Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade—each claiming to represent the party. The judge directed both lawyers to submit proof of their authority before the next hearing.

Meanwhile, a letter signed by 14 members of the NWC on October 16 reaffirmed the removal of the National Legal Adviser over alleged compromise, naming Uche (SAN) as his replacement. However, Ajibade dismissed the move, insisting he remains the lawful occupant of the position since only a national convention has the power to remove him.

With fresh allegations of forgery now rocking the PDP, the party faces mounting uncertainty over its ability to hold a credible convention, as its internal divisions threaten to deepen ahead of the crucial exercise.