PDP Chief Tackles Anyanwu, Says Forgery Claim “Theatrics of Desperation”

By Jeremy Fregene
Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign and ex-Senior Special Assistant on Media to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani, has dismissed the recent allegation by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged or cloned, describing it as “a jester’s theatrics” and “the last kick of a dying horse.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, and made available to KTH Daily, Sani said Senator Anyanwu’s claim was “laughable and unworthy of the office he occupies,” arguing that it reflects a growing sense of desperation among those attempting to frustrate the party’s National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan.

He recalled that at a time when the PDP was preparing to convene a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address internal leadership questions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had made it clear that such a meeting could only proceed with the endorsement of the National Secretary.

“At that point,” Sani noted, “the party had no option but to recall Senator Anyanwu and obtain his signature before proceeding. He never complained about forgery or cloning then. His signature was authentic enough when it protected his position.”

Sani said the current controversy began when the National Secretary initially hesitated to sign the letter conveying the decision to hold the party’s national convention in Ibadan. According to him, it took the intervention of PDP governors and senior party leaders, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, to persuade Anyanwu to append his signature.

“Even then,” Sani continued, “he reportedly did so believing that the document would not be forwarded to INEC immediately. Unknown to him, the National Chairman ensured the submission was made promptly, rendering his maneuver irrelevant. When the signed document became public, he was left with no choice but to claim forgery in a bid to cover his tracks.”

Describing the forgery allegation as “a political farce,” Sani said it was a desperate effort to create confusion ahead of the convention. “In Hausa,” he added, “we say Fargar Jaji — too late when the head is already severed. This is simply a last-minute attempt to stall progress that can no longer be stopped.”

Sani maintained that the Ibadan convention represents a defining moment for the PDP, one that will “set the stage for the party’s renewal, unity, and return to strength.” He predicted that the successful conduct of the convention would signal the beginning of a nationwide repositioning effort capable of challenging the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Senator Anyanwu’s latest outburst should not be mistaken for a legal concern,” Sani said. “It is a distraction, a comic act in a tragic play of political desperation. The PDP must stay focused, ignore the noise, and move forward. The time for jesters is over; the party must reclaim its soul.”

As of press time, Senator Anyanwu had not publicly responded to Umar Sani’s statement, and efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.