The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself at a critical juncture as two factional secretaries, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, gear up to resume office at the party’s National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
This brewing confrontation stems from a contentious Court of Appeal ruling that affirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate national secretary. However, Anyanwu has rejected the judgment, asserting his continued claim to the position.
The leadership tussle originated in 2023 when the South-East PDP leadership nominated Ude-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, to replace Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s candidate for the Imo State governorship election.
Anyanwu’s departure from his national secretary role sparked legal battles, with the issue culminating in conflicting court decisions.
On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling confirming Ude-Okoye’s nomination as Anyanwu’s successor.
Armed with the judgment, Ude-Okoye attempted to assume office on December 31, 2024. Anyanwu countered by ordering the closure of the PDP secretariat until January 13, 2025, further intensifying the rift.
The dispute has split the party’s leadership, with 12 National Working Committee (NWC) members reportedly backing Ude-Okoye, while another faction remains loyal to Anyanwu.
The divide has exacerbated existing fractures within the PDP, which has struggled to recover from its 2023 electoral losses.
The party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, emphasized the need to uphold the Appeal Court’s judgment, stating, “We are a party of law. Until there is another Supreme Court ruling, the Appeal Court judgment must be obeyed.”
Both Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu have reiterated their plans to resume office, downplaying the possibility of violence but refusing to back down.
Sunday Ude-Okoye: Reaffirming his legitimacy, Ude-Okoye stated, “The judgment is clear, and I will resume my duties to strengthen the party. I will not engage in unnecessary disputes; my focus is on restoring unity.”
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Samuel Anyanwu: Claiming to have filed a stay of execution, Anyanwu insisted the status quo remains. “This is about the party’s unity. I am committed to ensuring cohesion while pursuing my case at the Supreme Court.”
The ongoing power struggle has raised alarm among party members and political analysts, who fear the crisis could further weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, warned of the consequences of continued infighting. “This party represents the hope of Nigerians. If we cannot come together, we risk failing the people we aim to serve,” he said.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi called for calm, cautioning that “this sensitive issue, if mishandled, could escalate and cause irreparable damage to the PDP.”
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba affirmed the party’s adherence to the Court of Appeal’s judgment, recognizing Ude-Okoye as the national secretary.
“The PDP is a law-abiding party. We will comply with the judgment while remaining open to any new legal directives,” Ologunagba stated.
The unfolding crisis highlights the PDP’s struggle to maintain unity and credibility as Nigeria’s leading opposition party. Civil society organizations have urged restraint, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the party’s stability and democratic values.
As Anyanwu’s appeal awaits deliberation in the Supreme Court, the PDP leadership faces an uphill battle to resolve the dispute amicably.
Observers believe that the party’s ability to navigate this crisis will shape its fortunes in the 2027 elections and its broader role in Nigeria’s political landscape.