PDP Tension: Staff Fear Crisis as Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu Clash Over National Secretary Role

Victor Itodo Abuh January 13, 2025

PDP Tension: Staff Fear Crisis as Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu Clash Over National Secretary Role

ABUJA — Fear has gripped staff at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party resumes activities amidst a fierce tussle for the position of National Secretary.

The dispute centres on Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, both claiming the role. This follows a Court of Appeal judgment affirming Ude-Okoye as the rightful holder of the position, a decision that has sparked unease among staff and stakeholders.

Ude-Okoye’s claim has been bolstered by rulings from both the High Court and the Appeal Court, which declared his position legitimate while disqualifying Anyanwu. The courts ruled that Anyanwu violated the PDP constitution by retaining the position of National Secretary after contesting as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Imo State during the 2023 elections.

Despite the rulings, Anyanwu has refused to vacate office, citing his pending appeal at the Supreme Court and a stay of execution request.

In response, Ude-Okoye, backed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has taken over the office. 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. We are part of a responsible political party to ensure that that decision of the law is complied with.”

Staff at the secretariat have expressed concerns about their safety as tensions escalate, with reports suggesting both parties plan to arrive at the premises with their supporters. Speaking anonymously, one staff member said:

“The tussle between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye over this position is beyond the two individuals involved. It is about the rule of law. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow because I hear the two of them want to come with their supporters, and you know what that means. There cannot be two captains in one ship.”

Meanwhile, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to comply with the Appeal Court’s judgment. He stated:

“Since PDP is a party that obeys the law and believes in constitutionality, we should obey this court order. If at some time in the future there is a counter-court judgment, we won’t have any option but obey it. Such counter-judgment must come from a superior court, and the Supreme Court in this circumstance.”

As the battle for the National Secretary role intensifies, Wabara called for calm and unity within the party, emphasising that PDP members must prioritise the party’s interest above personal ambitions. He expressed confidence that the PDP would regain its position as the ruling party in 2027, saying Nigerians were counting on the party to restore hope.

The unfolding leadership crisis highlights the tension between legal rulings and political manoeuvring within the PDP, as the party grapples with internal divisions.