Police Deploy to PDP Secretariat as Factional Secretaries Clash Over Office

A tense atmosphere unfolded at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday as police officers were deployed to maintain order amid a leadership dispute over the office of the National Secretary. Samuel Anyanwu and Ude Okoye, both laying claim to the position, were expected to resume work, heightening tensions within the party.

The standoff follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which declared Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, a decision Anyanwu has appealed to the Supreme Court. Despite the ruling, Anyanwu entered the PDP secretariat accompanied by supporters and went directly to his office amidst cheers. Inside, he led a prayer session and briefly addressed journalists, asserting that the court case is ongoing and expressing confidence in his position. He dismissed the party’s recent acknowledgment of Okoye as the National Secretary, calling it merely the opinion of the national publicity secretary.

The dispute stems from Anyanwu’s departure from the office to contest the Imo State governorship election, which he lost. During his absence, Okoye assumed the role and has since argued that Anyanwu forfeited his right to the position by vacating it for the election. Last week, the PDP’s National Working Committee recognized Okoye as the legally affirmed secretary, emphasizing the party’s respect for the judiciary’s decision.