Tension Mounts at PDP Secretariat as Leadership Crisis Over National Secretary Deepens

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing renewed internal strife as it resumes activities today, following a Court of Appeal ruling that has intensified the dispute over the position of National Secretary. The appellate court recently upheld a lower court’s decision, declaring Sunday Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, thereby nullifying Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s claim to the office.

Despite the court’s decision, Senator Anyanwu has refused to vacate the position, citing a pending appeal at the Supreme Court and a filed stay of execution. He contends that he remains the rightful officeholder until the Supreme Court delivers a final verdict.

In contrast, Sunday Ude-Okoye, supported by the recent judgments, has asserted his authority as National Secretary. The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the party’s receipt of the appellate court’s judgment and emphasized the PDP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Ologunagba stated, “We have received the judgment of the Court of Appeal that affirmed S. K. E. Ude-Okoye as National Secretary of PDP. We, as a party, are bound by that judgment because it’s the highest judgment to date. And we will take appropriate action as a party.”

The leadership tussle has created an atmosphere of uncertainty among the staff at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja. Many employees, speaking anonymously, have expressed concerns about potential confrontations, as both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye are expected to arrive with their supporters. One staff member remarked, “There cannot be two captains in one ship; there is only one office. There can’t be two national secretaries occupying it at the same time.”

Adding to the party’s internal challenges, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to comply with the Appeal Court’s judgment. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the party’s constitution, stating, “Since PDP is a party that obeys the law and believes in constitutionality, we should obey this court order.”