PDP Leadership Crisis Escalates as Udeh-Okoye Proclaims Himself National Secretary Following Court Ruling
The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Monday when Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye declared himself the party’s National Secretary, citing a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal. Udeh-Okoye arrived at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, and insisted on assuming the role, despite Senator Sam Anyanwu still physically occupying the office with his personal belongings in place.
Speaking to journalists, Udeh-Okoye, a former PDP National Youth Leader, emphasized that his actions were in full accordance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which had confirmed him as the rightful replacement for Senator Anyanwu. He highlighted that the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had both acknowledged the court’s decision.
Despite Udeh-Okoye’s claims, Senator Anyanwu has not vacated the office and has remained silent on the matter. Sources close to Anyanwu indicated that he has not sought a stay of execution against the court ruling. His supporters, however, dismissed Udeh-Okoye’s actions as “a pipe dream,” asserting that Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed on Friday that the party had received the court judgment and would comply with its directive. This follows previous attempts by some party leaders, including Ajibade, to suspend the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ikyas Damagum, and Senator Anyanwu.
Udeh-Okoye, in reiterating his position, stated, “The main reason why I am here is to resume office. I am resuming today, the 30th of December, in obedience to the Appeal Court in Enugu that sacked the former National Secretary and made me the National Secretary of PDP.” He further explained that he had come to inspect the party’s headquarters and ensure that everything was in order, despite staff being on holiday until January 13.
“I also appreciate the PDP Governors’ Forum, the former PDP Ministers’ Forum, the PDP BoT, and party leaders from my zone (South East), who nominated and supported me,” Udeh-Okoye said, acknowledging the backing he has received from various factions of the party.
Udeh-Okoye also revealed that he was on his way to attend an unscheduled meeting with other members of the PDP National Working Committee, signaling that the dispute over leadership within the party is far from settled.
