PDP Denies Internal Crisis, Clarifies Role of National Secretary Amid Alleged Misconceptions

…says Anyanwu’s Role “Is To Provide Diesel, Keep Parking Spaces”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the weekend sought to quash speculation about an alleged internal crisis within its ranks, clarifying the precise role of its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the situation not as a crisis but as a potential “misconception of roles.”

Ologunagba emphasized that Anyanwu’s responsibilities are strictly administrative and supportive, asserting that he “has no authority to summon meetings or act independently of the National Chairman.” 

He explained that the functions of the National Secretary are clearly defined in the PDP constitution and revolve around administrative duties and executing directives from the National Chairman, Umar Damagun.

He elaborated, stating, “There shall be a National Secretary, who shall be the chief Administrative and Accounting officer, two roles, and they’re specified, whose functions are to supervise the day-to-day activities of the party. 

“So, if there is no diesel in the office, he should take care of that. If the parking spaces are not organised, he would say ‘hey, this place is dirty go and make sure it is painted.’”

Highlighting the administrative nature of Anyanwu’s work, Ologunagba clarified that the National Secretary’s primary duties revolve around party correspondence, coordination, and record-keeping. 

“That is paperwork, correspondences of the party and course to be issued, notices of meetings. So the chairman will say, I’m summoning this meeting, go and issue the notice. The secretary cannot call a meeting. He cannot summon a meeting and until we understand that, we continue to wallow in this level of ignorance or deliberate falsehood, that is not there.”

Drawing on his own professional experience, Ologunagba further illustrated, “So that is his job, keep or course to be kept all records of proceedings, that is minutes. I was a company secretary, legal advisor of a bank. I can’t call the meeting. The MD or the Chairman of the bank will say, come convey a meeting, that is summoning.”

Addressing perceived misunderstandings within the National Working Committee (NWC), he noted that Anyanwu’s role is to ensure the execution of directives, not to initiate them. 

“Ensure the implementation of the decision, this is important, ensure the implementation of the decisions and directives of the National Convention, NEC, National Caucus, National Working Committee and ensure that all units of the party carry out their duties promptly and efficiently.”

He added, “For instance, if the National Working Committee passes a resolution, and the National Public Secretary, for instance, is expected or directed to issue a resolution, issue a statement, it is the duty of the Secretary to ensure that those directives are carried out. 

“So the Secretary cannot, and in any event, cannot summon and cannot even issue a press statement. He cannot.”

Ologunagba reiterated that the Secretary’s work is essential for the smooth running of the party’s administration. 

“Secretary is the chief administrative officer? Yeah, he deals with correspondences, with day-to-day activities to ensure that the office is run well. 

“If you need, like I said, stationeries, we go to him. He approves it. If there are correspondences, he ensures that is done. If there are directives of any of the organs of the party, as secretary, he ensures that those directives are carried out.”

Concluding his remarks, he dismissed claims of internal discord within the PDP. 

“So that explains the two letters you’re talking about. As to whether there’s crisis in the party, there’s none. There’s absolutely none. There could be a misconception of role. There could be a misconception of activity. But again, like I said earlier, when you are in a position of authority, what is expected is a level of caution and responsibility and so our party is fine. We’re good and there’s no issue when it comes to all that and that’s why I took my time to explain.”