The crisis over the position of National Secretary in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, staking conflicting claims to the office.
Despite a court order to maintain the status quo, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has declared Ude-Okoye as the recognized National Secretary.
Conversely, Anyanwu insists he retains the position, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja that allows him to remain in office until the Supreme Court resolves the matter.
Naijaonpoint understands that the controversy stems from Anyanwu’s selection as the PDP governorship candidate for Imo State in 2023.
Following his nomination, the party’s South-East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace him, arguing that Anyanwu should vacate the National Secretary position.
On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court in Enugu affirmed Ude-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary.
This decision was officially communicated to the party on December 24, and Ude-Okoye assumed office on December 30.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order last week, permitting Anyanwu to remain in office until the Supreme Court resolves the appeal.
PDP leaders are split over the matter. Ologunagba supported Ude-Okoye, referencing the Enugu judgment, stating, “The PDP is a party of law and order. The Enugu judgment has been complied with, and Honorable Ude-Okoye is the recognized National Secretary.”
In contrast, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, upheld the Abuja ruling, affirming Anyanwu as the rightful National Secretary.
In an interview with Punch, Anyanwu accused certain party members of exploiting outdated constitutional provisions to unseat him.
“The issue is very clear. This started with the National Vice Chairman, South-South, who presided over a kangaroo meeting and misled the Enugu State Governor into believing I had violated the constitution,” he said.
Anyanwu added that he obtained a Federal High Court judgment affirming his position, which declared his tenure valid until December 2025.
“We have since filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, and an interim stay of execution has been granted,” he said, urging party leaders to prioritize unity over personal ambitions.
Ude-Okoye dismissed claims of a stay of execution, asserting that he is the rightful National Secretary.
“There is no stay of execution from any court. The Appeal Court ruled that the status quo should be maintained. I assumed office on December 30th, 2024, and I am the National Secretary of the PDP,” he said.
Ude-Okoye accused certain individuals of attempting to destabilize the party but vowed to serve with focus and integrity.
The hearing for a stay of execution motion filed by the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is scheduled for January 27, 2025.
Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye both emphasized the need for party unity, though their interpretations of the law and claims to the position differ.