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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its internal crisis as its two faction secretaries, Sunday Udeokoye and Samuel Anyanwu, are scheduled to resume their duties today at the party’s national headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. facing the possibility of
Both Ude Okoye and Anyanwu confirmed their intentions to The Punch in separate interviews on Sunday.
Naija News reports that the Court of Appeal recently upheld Ude Okoye as PDP national secretary, but Anyanwu refused to accept the judgment, maintaining his claim to be the legitimate party secretary.
This development intensified divisions within the PDP, with senior government officials and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) taking sides. At least 12 NWC members and some governors have expressed support for Ude Okoye, while others have pledged allegiance to Anyanwu.
Many attribute the party’s ongoing crisis since the 2023 elections to the leadership of its acting national chairman, Umaru Damagum, a close ally of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. This turmoil had far-reaching effects on the party organization as a whole.
The fight for the national secretary post began in 2023 when the South East zone nominated Ude Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who emerged as the PDP candidate for the Imo State governorship election. The PDP leadership in the South-East claimed that Anyanwu’s candidacy disqualified him from continuing as national secretary.
Ude Okoye’s nomination led to a series of legal battles, culminating in a December 2024 Court of Appeal ruling that upheld his appointment. On December 31, Ude Okoye attempted to take office at the party’s headquarters, but Anyanwu ordered the secretariat to be closed until January 13, creating tension among supporters.
dance naked
In his defense, Mr. Ude Okoye asserted his legitimacy based on the court’s judgment, dismissed concerns of divisiveness and emphasized the commitment of the PDP to unity.
He told The Punch: Will they try to decentralize the party secretariat? If someone knows they are the National Secretary, why would they try to destroy their official residence?
“But that’s the answer for anyone planning such a thing: I can't dance naked with crazy people in the market, because then I’ll go crazy too.”
“People know when someone is right and when they are just trying to destroy something. When someone is acting as an agent, I am not an agent. I am a member of the PDP. is the national secretary and will continue to be the national secretary. I will never come to destroy anything within the PDP.”
2027 Election
Meanwhile, Anyangwu retained his position as secretary, citing a suspended sentence filed in court.
He said: “Obviously they know what a moratorium on executions means. It means the status quo doesn’t change. There’s nothing to argue about that.
“The party will resume tomorrow (today), so I will go straight to the office. If I say I want to resume, is there anything that can stop me? If I want to resume, I will resume.”
On the possibility of a showdown, Anyanwu said, “What is important to me is our party, the PDP. This party is the party of law and I have filed a case in the Supreme Court. will continue its activities and unite the party.
“All these concerns are about 2027. Everyone please calm down. Only God gives strength.”
political party of the rule of law
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, has reaffirmed the status of Mr. Ude Okoye as the legitimate secretary, citing the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
He emphasized his party’s commitment to the rule of law, adding that he had not received a suspended sentence.
Mr. Ologunagba said, “Anyone who is truly a party member, believes in the rule of law and respects the judgment of the court will abide by the judgment in the interest of peace and justice. Therefore, no one should resort to self-help. Instead, we have to do the right thing at a particular point in time.
“Regardless of what anyone says, this party will abide by the judgment because we do not have the authority to review the judgment. And even if there is a new contrary judgment in its place, law-abiding parties I intend to follow it.”
the need for peace
As the PDP grapples with this infighting, party leaders including National Youth Vice President Timothy Osadore and former National Publicity Deputy Secretary Dylan Odeyemi are calling for calm.
They urged party members to prioritize unity and adherence to constitutional guidelines to prevent further damage to the party.
“This is a serious issue, and if not managed properly, it can develop into a complex problem. But I am confident that there will be no showdown,” Osador said.
“As you know, the PDP is a very organic party with internal structures and mechanisms. And above all, it is a law-abiding party. So it is a clear question. There is no showdown.
“The truth is this: I am a member of the NWC and I am fed up with the crisis within the NWC. If we cannot come together as one, there will be peace within this party and ultimately peace in this country. I think this NWC should find a solution as it is brought about.
“The truth is that our members are still fighting, but we don’t know who they are fighting for or whose interests they are serving. If we believe we are here to represent, we should shrink the ranks and help Nigerians move forward in their development journey.”
“This issue must be managed carefully to avoid exacerbating the crisis in the party,” Odeyemi warned, appealing to both sides to seek peace and protect the constitution.
