JUST IN: PDP NWC Writes INEC, Confirms Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary and has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize his appointment. This decision follows the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which confirmed Udeh-Okoye’s legitimacy for the position.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba emphasized that the party’s leadership is bound by the court’s ruling. The NWC has begun transmitting its resolution to INEC and other relevant bodies to ensure Udeh-Okoye’s official recognition.

The statement highlighted that the decision was reached after a thorough review of legal documents, including the declaratory judgment from the High Court of Enugu, the Court of Appeal’s verdict, and legal opinions from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki and the PDP National Legal Adviser. After careful examination, the NWC unanimously confirmed Udeh-Okoye’s appointment, stating that no superior court ruling contradicts this decision.

The party’s leadership commended its members and stakeholders for their support and adherence to the rule of law, assuring them that the PDP remains committed to its constitution, democratic principles, and the well-being of Nigerians.

The confirmation of Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary marks a significant development in the ongoing internal struggles within the PDP. The party has faced leadership disputes since the 2023 elections, with tensions particularly high regarding the National Secretary position. Udeh-Okoye’s nomination by the South East to replace Samuel Anyanwu, who contested the Imo governorship election, was met with resistance.

On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Udeh-Okoye, but internal divisions persisted. On January 28, Anyanwu’s supporters disrupted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, physically removing Udeh-Okoye. This led to an intervention by PDP governors, who, on January 31, formally endorsed the court’s decision, recognizing Udeh-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.

Despite this endorsement, Anyanwu continued to challenge the decision, petitioning the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. He also accused PDP governors of deepening the crisis. The BoT, under former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, reviewed the matter and reaffirmed Udeh-Okoye’s legitimacy on February 6. Subsequently, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum sought legal guidance from the PDP’s National Legal Adviser before finalizing the NWC’s position.