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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, over what it described as repeated attempts to exercise powers far beyond the remit of his office, declaring that there is no crisis in the party — only “a gross misconception of roles.”

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Debo Ologunagba, dismissed reports of an internal meltdown but admitted that tensions within the National Working Committee (NWC) were fueled by what he called an “inflated sense of authority” by certain officers, notably the National Secretary.

The statement followed a controversy sparked by two separate letters sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — one signed by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and another by Senator Anyanwu — which party insiders say is symptomatic of a subtle power tussle.

Ologunagba insisted that the PDP constitution is unequivocal about the duties of the National Secretary and does not empower the office to summon meetings or take unilateral decisions.

“The constitution is clear. The National Secretary is the Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer — nothing more,” Ologunagba said.

“His role is limited to day-to-day operations: if there’s no diesel in the office, he handles it. If the premises are dirty, he ensures they’re cleaned. When the National Chairman calls for a meeting, he issues the notice. But he cannot summon a meeting on his own.”

The PDP spokesman compared the situation to corporate governance, stressing that just as a company secretary cannot convene board meetings without direction from the chairman, the party’s secretary must act strictly on instructions from superior organs.

“The Secretary cannot issue press statements, cannot summon meetings, and cannot act outside administrative duties. Those powers reside solely with the Chairman and other recognised bodies,” he said.

Ologunagba further clarified that the secretary’s job is to ensure the execution of decisions taken by the National Convention, National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and NWC — not to originate or implement policies independently.

“If the NWC passes a resolution and directs the Publicity Secretary to issue a statement, it’s the Secretary’s job to make sure that directive is carried out,” he explained.

The PDP spokesman accused those pushing the “crisis” narrative of either ignorance or deliberate mischief, insisting that the party remains united and focused on its objectives.

“There is no crisis in the PDP. What exists is a misunderstanding of roles. People sometimes overestimate their powers, but once responsibilities are properly defined, there’s no confusion. The party is stable and moving forward,” Ologunagba asserted.

The remarks are widely seen as a veiled reprimand of Senator Anyanwu, whose recent actions are being interpreted as a challenge to the authority of Acting Chairman Damagum. By publicly re-emphasising the constitutional limits of the secretary’s office, the PDP leadership appears determined to assert internal discipline and prevent any escalation of the brewing power struggle.