The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has not declared the office of National Secretary, currently occupied by the its Imo State Governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu vacant, a party source has said.
According to the source who pleaded anonymity; because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media, the clarification became necessary in order to dispel speculations that the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, was looking for his replacement.
Vanguard gathered in Abuja, on Friday, that Anyanwu , popularly known as “Sam Daddy“ among his supporters, has continued to play his role as Party scribe even while still holding the party’s governorship ticket.
The party source said, “Contrary to speculations in some quarters, the PDP NWC has not demanded for the resignation of the Head of our Secretariat. So, the issue of looking for a replacement hasn’t arisen.
“His campaign has not affected the performance of his official duties. Besides, he has not breached any law by remaining in office as our National Secretary.”
A member of the NWC, who also pleaded anonymity, further explained that, “the NWC has since considered all issues and noted that Senator Anyanwu, hasn’t violated any section of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2022, or the INEC and PDP Guidelines by retaining his party position.
“Relinquishing that office however becomes mandatory when he wins the election and is sworn in as governor.”
The Party official equally noted that the requirement for resignation as contained in the Electoral Act, does not apply to those holding elected offices.
This, he said, “Explains why elected persons, such as: “The President, State Governors, National and State Assembly members contest elections while retaining their elected offices adding that such is also applicable to elected Party officials.
“There is no portion in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the current PDP Guideline that provides that an elected Party official should resign before contesting election at any level.
“That is why no Party official had been barred from contesting election while holding Party elective position.
“So, the NWC never met to ask that Senator Anyanwu should resign or be replaced as National Secretary.
“The NWC has no contemplation in that regard and there are no issues whatsoever to warrant such, especially as the Secretariat is running smoothly and effectively.”
“Our party and all of its organs are currently more focused on ensuring victory in the November 11, 2023 Governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi State and this is what should be of interest to any genuine Party member.
“What is paramount to us in the PDP is to win the November 11, 2023 Governorship election and make Imo State safe and prosperous again.
“The PDP is standing very strong in Imo State, we have a very popular candidate in Sen. Samuel Anyanwu who is also the National Secretary of the PDP.
“His mission to Make Imo Safe Again is resonating across the State and an overwhelming majority of the people of Imo State are rallying with him to achieve this.”
