PDP crisis deepens as Govs back Ude-Okoye, Anyanwu insists he’s still National Secretary

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the party’s Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary.

This decision comes in response to a Court of Appeal ruling affirming Ude-Okoye’s position, a move the governors say must be implemented by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The emergency meeting, held in Asaba, Delta State, saw the governors urging the NWC to abide by the court’s decision.

However, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who insists he remains the party’s National Secretary, dismissed the governors’ resolution, citing his appeal at the Supreme Court.

PDP Governors Push for Stability Amid Crisis

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the PDP Governors’ Forum also proposed shifting the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to March 13, 2025, from its initial February date.

They expressed concern over the nation’s economic challenges, blaming the federal government’s policies for worsening hardship and urging a policy review to ease Nigerians’ suffering.

The meeting was attended by Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). Oyo State’s Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, represented Governor Seyi Makinde.

Anyanwu: “I Am Still the National Secretary”

Reacting to the governors’ position, Anyanwu insisted he remains the PDP National Secretary.

He emphasized that the Governors’ Forum is not a constitutional organ of the party but merely an advisory body.

He also argued that the Court of Appeal had granted a stay of execution in his favor, making it illegal for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize anyone else as PDP’s National Secretary.

Bode George Warns PDP Against Internal Crisis

Chief Olabode George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, expressed concern over the deepening crisis, warning that if unresolved, it could cost the party the 2027 elections. Speaking on Arise TV, George criticized the disorder within the party, describing the situation as a “public disgrace and show of shame.”

He called for an independent committee to investigate the dispute between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, adding that the ongoing crisis stems from unresolved internal issues. George also urged key party figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike to put aside their differences for the party’s survival.

Senator Ned Nwoko Dumps PDP

Meanwhile, in another blow to the opposition party, Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North formally resigned from the PDP, citing internal divisions and factionalism. In his resignation letter to the PDP chairman in his ward, Nwoko stated that the party’s structure in the state had become too unstable for him to fulfill his promises to his constituents.

His exit leaves the PDP without a single senator from Delta State, further highlighting the internal crisis that threatens the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Conclusion

With the PDP crisis escalating, the party faces a crucial test of unity and leadership. While the governors push for court rulings to be implemented, Anyanwu remains defiant. Meanwhile, party elders like Bode George are calling for urgent intervention.

The big question remains can the PDP resolve its internal conflicts in time to mount a strong challenge in 2027, or will these divisions spell doom for Nigeria’s main opposition party?