PDP crisis deepens as factional secretaries vows to resume office Today

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to escalate as two factional secretaries, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, announced plans to resume office at the party’s National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Monday.

Ude-Okoye, affirmed by a recent Court of Appeal ruling as the PDP National Secretary, insists on taking up his duties despite resistance from Anyanwu, who claims to remain the party’s recognized secretary based on a pending stay of execution filed in court.

The development has further divided the party, with top officials, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, and stakeholders, supporting either faction. At least 12 NWC members are reportedly backing Ude-Okoye, while others remain loyal to Anyanwu.

Background of the Crisis

The conflict dates back to 2023 when the PDP’s South-East leadership nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had become the party’s candidate for the Imo State governorship election. The nomination led to a protracted legal battle, culminating in the December 20, 2024, Court of Appeal judgment, which upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment.

However, Anyanwu has refused to step down, arguing that the stay of execution keeps him in office. The situation reached a boiling point on December 31, 2024, when Ude-Okoye attempted to assume office, prompting Anyanwu to shut down the secretariat until January 13.

Positions of the Factions

In an interview, Ude-Okoye maintained that the court judgment validates his position as the rightful secretary. “If someone truly loves the party, would they plan to destroy it? I am a PDP member, the national secretary, and I will remain so,” he stated.

Conversely, Anyanwu emphasized his continued legitimacy, citing his Supreme Court appeal and stay of execution. “The party will resume tomorrow, and I will go straight to my office. The PDP is a party of law, and I will continue my work while uniting our party,” he said.

Party Leadership Reactions

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, stressed the importance of abiding by the court ruling to avoid further anarchy. “We are a party of the rule of law and will obey the judgment. Until the Supreme Court rules otherwise, the judgment stands,” he affirmed.

National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba echoed this position, confirming that Ude-Okoye is recognized by the party based on the Appeal Court’s ruling. “As a law-abiding party, we will comply with the judgment unless a higher court directs otherwise,” he stated.

Calls for Peace

Amidst the escalating tensions, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi have urged both factions to exercise restraint. Osadolor warned, “If not properly managed, this matter could become more complex. It is time for the NWC to find lasting solutions to the internal crisis.”

Odeyemi called for unity, advising both sides to adhere to constitutional provisions and prioritize peace over conflict. “This issue is sensitive and could further destabilize the party if not handled carefully,” he noted.