South-East PDP Lists Conditions for Truce at Saraki Reconciliation Meeting

The South-East caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has presented a list of conditions to the reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, as a prerequisite for halting ongoing defections from the zone. The demands were made during a closed-door meeting on Friday at the Enugu State Government House, hosted by Governor Peter Mbah, the party’s leader in the region.

A central demand from the caucus is the retention of Sunday Ude-Okoye as the PDP’s National Secretary. The group warned that failure to address their concerns could further weaken the party’s influence in the South-East. Governor Mbah reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how the region has been treated within the PDP, arguing that the South-East—once a stronghold of the party—has not received due recognition or leadership representation.

Saraki, speaking to journalists after the meeting, described the dialogue as productive, adding that the committee would consider the suggestions presented. Sources close to the meeting disclosed that Mbah reminded the panel of the region’s historic support for the PDP, particularly during the 2015 crisis when South-East leaders, led by then Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, played a key role in stabilizing the party.

Tensions over the position of National Secretary have long plagued the PDP. The dispute stems from Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s participation in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, which some party members argued vacated his position as National Secretary. The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently asked the South-East to nominate a replacement, and Ude-Okoye was put forward. However, the nomination led to legal wrangling, and despite a Supreme Court ruling, internal disagreements continued. In the interim, the party’s governors nominated Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo to serve in an acting capacity, further deepening the divide.

The South-East caucus had previously issued a communique on May 14, warning that it would reconsider its ties with the PDP if Ude-Okoye was not confirmed as National Secretary. The communique, signed by Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa, emphasized the zone’s loyalty and long-standing commitment to the party.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s 99th NEC meeting is set to hold on Tuesday, May 27, at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. Top of the agenda will be the resolution of the National Secretary controversy, discussions on zonal congresses, and planning for the upcoming elective national convention.

According to a senior member of the party’s National Working Committee, efforts are underway to ensure the meeting goes ahead as scheduled. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is said to be working behind the scenes to avoid further delays, amid concerns that postponement could worsen the crisis.

The meeting is expected to be highly charged, with various committees, including the Reconciliation and Disciplinary Panels, scheduled to present their reports. The NEC will also consider recommendations from the PDP Governors’ Forum, including a proposal to hold the party’s national convention in August.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the meeting will go ahead as planned and expressed confidence that the party’s internal mechanisms will effectively resolve the disputes. He added that in the lead-up to the NEC meeting, separate consultations will be held with the Board of Trustees, the Governors’ Forum, and the National Caucus, with a caucus meeting slated for May 26.