The main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally reaffirmed the appointment of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary, following a judgment by the Court of Appeal. This decision was made by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) during a meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NWC thoroughly examined documents related to the case, including the declaratory judgment of the High Court of Enugu and the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division. The NWC also considered legal opinions from Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki SAN and the National Legal Adviser of the PDP.
After reviewing the documents and opinions, the NWC “overwhelmingly recognises, acknowledges and confirms” Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The party has begun sending its resolution affirming Udeh-Okoye’s position to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for recognition. The PDP has also commended its leaders, members, and stakeholders for their loyalty and respect for the rule of law.
This development comes after a period of internal conflict within the party, which has faced challenges since the 2023 elections. The affirmation of Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary is seen as a step towards resolving these issues and stabilizing the party.
Meanwhile, Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defied the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) directive, resuming his duties at the PDP National Secretariat on Thursday. This development comes despite the NWC’s affirmation of Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.¹
Anyanwu, in a video call with Lere Olayinka, spokesman of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, confidently stated, “As you can see, I’m in my office. These are my people, and we are working.” He also showed Olayinka around his office, pointing out individuals “jumping over the fence” and how he used CCTV to monitor the situation.
The battle for the PDP National Secretary position began when Anyanwu left to contest the Imo State governorship election. Following his departure, the South-East caucus of the PDP endorsed Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement. Anyanwu lost the election and attempted to reclaim his position, but Ude-Okoye vehemently opposed this move.
The controversy has been ongoing, with an Appeal Court ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye as the PDP’s National Secretary on December 20, 2024. A fight broke out between Anyanwu’s supporters and Ude-Okoye at the PDP National Secretariat on January 28 during the party’s Board of Trustees meeting.
The PDP Governors Forum, the party’s NWC, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade have all backed Ude-Okoye for the position. Despite this, Anyanwu has refused to relinquish his claim to the office, leading to a deepening crisis within the party.
In another development, NWC of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in Imo State, citing irregularities in the congress that produced the leadership.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. According to the statement, the NWC found that the process leading to the emergence of the Imo State SWC did not comply with the provisions of the PDP Constitution.
“The National Working Committee, after a thorough review of the processes leading to the congress that produced the Imo State Working Committee, has resolved to dissolve the SWC with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The Imo SWC, led by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu as State Chairman, was elected just last year. However, concerns over procedural breaches and non-adherence to party guidelines prompted the NWC to take this decisive action.
The statement did not specify the next steps regarding the party’s leadership structure in Imo State, but sources indicate that an interim committee may be appointed to oversee affairs pending fresh congresses.
The development adds to the internal crisis within the PDP, as the party continues efforts to resolve disputes and strengthen its structures ahead of upcoming elections.
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