The relative calm within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been disrupted following the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal to appoint Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary to replace Mr. Samuel Anyanwu. Ta.
While Anyanwu is reportedly in Imo State on vacation, Ude Okoye is taking active steps to assert his position. Over the weekend, he led a delegation of NWC members to visit three state governors: Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.
However, the visit reportedly took place without the approval of acting national chairman Umar Damagum, further highlighting divisions within the party.
A source disclosed to The Nation that behind Ude Okoye’s actions are pro-Atiku forces trying to dislodge Anyanwu.
Mr. Makinde cited the court judgment that recognized Ude Okoye as the national secretary and justified his acceptance citing his commitment to the rule of law.
Speaking to reporters in Ibadan, he stressed that adherence to the rule of law is essential to solving the party’s ongoing leadership challenges.
Mr Makinde also reiterated the importance of unity within the PDP to present viable alternatives for good governance.
He said: “There is a court ruling on the issue of the national secretary.
“My position has been clear from day one: I will always abide by the rule of law.
“By virtue of the court’s declaration, this person is the new head of state. I said without mincing words that we will remain on the side of the law.
“We’ve given some thought to what’s going to happen next. 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for our party.
“Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to get its act together. It shows how united the NWC members of our party are. Some will be scratching their heads because there are no factions.
“This is the beginning of a lot of good things to come in terms of party management and engagement. I heard good things from these leaders, things I hadn’t even thought about.
“One of them said that we should not make too big a sacrifice for the good of our party and Nigerians.
“Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want an alternative. They want to be able to kick out people who don’t keep their promises.
“Therefore, there is a commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not descend into a one-party state.”
Mr. Ude Okoye was accompanied on his visit to Ibadan by: National Vice-Chairman Taofik Alapaja; National Women’s Leader, Mrs. Amina Braim. Kamaludeen Ajibade (SAN), National Legal Adviser; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary. Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba; Dr. Woengikulo Daniel, National Treasurer; PDP North East National Vice-Chairman, Dr. Boboa Emmanuel and PDP South-East National Vice-Chairman, Senior Chief Ali Odefa.
They expressed their determination to reposition the party and promote unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to a report in Naija News, during his visit, Mr. Ude Okoye expressed his condolences to Governor Makinde over the recent incidents of mass violence in the state and urged him to strengthen the PDP as the main opposition party. I promised.
He expressed optimism that the PDP would return to power in 2027 by providing the governance that Nigerians deserve.
In Bayelsa, Governor Diri urged PDP leaders to work together to strengthen the party, stressing the importance of unity and consensus in resolving intra-party disputes. He stressed the need for loyalty and honesty among party members and warned against political actions that could weaken the party.
Similarly, during the condolence visit to Governor Mohammed in Bauchi, NWC members called on the PDP Governors Forum to play a more proactive role towards stabilizing the party. They stressed that Mr. Muhammad plays a pivotal role in fostering unity and cooperation within the party, which they believe is essential to achieving the objectives of the PDP.
