The ongoing leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn, with party stakeholders clashing over the National Secretary position.
The controversy stems from a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which upheld an earlier Federal High Court decision removing Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary and declaring Mr. Ude Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
News report states that the dispute began in 2023 when Southeast PDP stakeholders selected Ude Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who vacated his seat to contest the Imo State governorship election under the party’s platform. After losing the election to Governor Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anyanwu returned to reclaim his position as National Secretary, despite the court’s rulings.
Last week’s appellate court judgement, delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, confirmed Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. However, Anyanwu has refused to step down, insisting that he will appeal the decision at the Supreme Court. This defiance has intensified tensions within the party and split its leadership into opposing factions.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) is divided, with one camp supporting Okoye and the other backing Anyanwu. Among Anyanwu’s key supporters are the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature. These individuals are known to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Meanwhile, Ude Okoye, who previously served as the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, has declared himself the rightful National Secretary, citing the appellate court ruling. He has urged the party to respect the court’s decision and allow him to take up his duties without further hindrance.
There is concern by observers who warn that allowing Anyanwu to function as National Secretary despite the court’s rulings could lead to legal challenges that might undermine the party’s activities and decisions.