A cold war is brewing in the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as some political forces in the State strategize to gain control of the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The unfolding drama centers on efforts to unseat the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the party in the State.
Anyanwu, who currently holds the PDP National Secretary position, remains a central figure in the party’s hierarchy in Imo State. His continued stay in office guarantees his hold over the party structure, positioning him as a formidable player in determining the PDP’s governorship candidate in Imo for 2027.
However, recent legal and political maneuvers aimed at removing him as the party’s scribe is part of a wider plot and a calculated effort to weaken his influence and wrest control of the party from him.
The crux of Anyanwu’s travails lies beyond the battle against pro-Wike forces within the PDP at the national level.
Sources close to the party reveal to INNONEWS that some prominent Imo politicians, with ambitions for the 2027 governorship ticket of the PDP, are also deeply involved in the plot to oust him.
These politicians view Anyanwu’s removal as critical to clearing the path for their aspirations in the party.
Among those reportedly spearheading this effort is a notable Imo politician with a history of gubernatorial ambition. He is said to be in alliance with a former.governor of the State.
Those close to him say he believes that the PDP remains the most viable platform for achieving electoral success in the state in 2027.
“The PDP has the structure and acceptance needed to win elections in Imo anytime, anyday,” a source close to the politician revealed.
The politician’s strategy hinges on unseating Anyanwu, whose firm grip on the party could otherwise block his path to the governorship ticket in 2027.
The stakes are high, as the Supreme Court’s decision on Anyanwu’s fate as National Secretary will either consolidate his power and control of the party in Imo or pave the way for a leadership reshuffle within Imo PDP on or before a convention in December 2025.
Another prominent contender for the 2027 governorship ticket, this time from Owerri zone, is also reportedly eyeing the PDP platform.
Although he is exploring alliances through a planned merger of opposition forces in the country, insiders reveal he would join the PDP if the merger fails.
His connections, particularly among power brokers opposed to President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the North, could bolster his prospects. He is said to have a strong ally in a vocal member of the House of Reps from Imo State.
This aspirant’s rising popularity and vocal presence in the state’s political scene make him a formidable contender for the PDP guber ticket and Imo Governoship.
This newspaper gathered that the plot to remove Anyanwu, therefore, extends beyond personal rivalries or national-level party politics. A high-stakes battle for the soul of the Imo PDP is involved, a reliable source in the party told this newspaper.
If Anyanwu survives the Supreme Court judgement and retains his position as National Secretary, his dominance over the PDP structure in Imo will remain unshaken, and may possibly puncture the moves of his political adversaries to take over the party in Imo.
However, analysts contend that if he is removed, it could trigger a fierce contest among ambitious politicians seeking to position themselves for the governorship ticket of the party ahead of 2027.
HOW ANYANWU’S ORDEAL BEGAN
Samuel Anyanwu became a controversial figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when he contested the 2023 Imo State governorship election without resigning as the party’s National Secretary, a direct violation of the PDP constitution.
This move drew criticism from several quarters, including the South East Caucus of the PDP, which insisted on his removal from office.
In response, the caucus nominated Ude Okoye as his replacement, escalating tensions within the party and setting the stage for a fierce internal battle and legal warfare.
Anyanwu’s refusal to step down not only angered party stakeholders but also deepened factionalism within the PDP, as various groups began to align either in support of or opposition to his continued leadership
