PDP Denies Forgery Allegation on National Convention Letter, Says Anyanwu’s Signature Authentic

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims that the signature of its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was forged on a letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the party’s forthcoming National Convention.

Addressing a press conference at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the forgery allegation as “false, baseless, and a calculated attempt to derail the party’s preparations” for its elective national convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan.

Ologunagba explained that the decision on the date, venue, and agenda of the convention was collectively taken at the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which Senator Anyanwu attended.

“The Certified True Copy from INEC shows that Senator Anyanwu was number four on the attendance list,” Ologunagba said. “He actively participated in the meeting where the NEC approved the convention arrangements and directed both the National Chairman and Secretary to write INEC.”

According to Ologunagba, Anyanwu and Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum co-signed the convention letter at a meeting on August 25, a day before the party’s 102nd NEC meeting.

“That meeting of August 25 was held right here in the National Chairman’s office. In attendance were Governors Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among others, including Senator Anyanwu himself,” he said.

He further listed other attendees, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Minister Taminu Turaki (SAN), former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, and all members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Ologunagba revealed that four letters were jointly signed by Damagum and Anyanwu at that meeting, including:

1. Notice to INEC on the National Elective Convention.
2. Composition of the National Convention membership.
3. Notice of the repeat PDP South-East 2025 Zonal Congresses.
4. Notice of repeat PDP Congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi States.

He added that Senator Anyanwu not only signed the documents but also served as Secretary of the National Convention Contact and Mobilisation Subcommittee, where he presented a budget proposal to Governor Douye Diri, chairman of the subcommittee.

“A few days later, he suddenly alleged that the letter was forged — 50 days after it was signed,” Ologunagba said. “At what point did a letter he co-signed become a forgery?”

The PDP spokesperson called on security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that anyone making false allegations is held accountable.

“Forgery is a very serious offence. It’s criminal to make false claims before security officials. The party wants this investigated to its logical conclusion,” he stated.

Despite the controversy, Ologunagba emphasized that the PDP remains focused and united in its preparation for the upcoming national convention.

When asked whether any party officials had been invited by the police or security agencies over the allegation, he replied, “Not to my knowledge.”

On speculations of Governor Douye Diri defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologunagba dismissed them, saying the PDP’s strength lies in the people, not individuals.

“The PDP is a party of the people. While governors play vital roles, elections are won through the collective efforts of all members and supporters,” he said.

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