The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the National Secretary position has taken a significant turn.
National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to promptly swear in former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary.
In a memo addressed to Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, Ajibade expressed his full endorsement of the Board of Trustees (BoT) panel’s report, which had earlier recognized Ude-Okoye’s claim to the position.
He emphasized that since both Ude-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had willingly submitted to the BoT panel, they should honorably accept its findings.
Ajibade stated, “The contending parties have voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN led committee and a legal opinion/advice having been proffered after evaluation of documents tendered by parties, calling for review of the said legal opinion/advice in my opinion is not only improper but will undermine the effort of the BOT and increase the already existing tension as well as worsen the volatility within the party which may be difficult to arrest.”
He further advised, “It is, therefore, my advice that the contending parties have willingly submitted themselves to the authority of the committee led by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN should be honourable enough to abide by the outcome of the legal opinion/advice stemming from the proceeding they unreservedly consented to, most especially that the said legal opinion/advice was signed by a well experienced Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and same adopted by the BOT which is the conscience of the party.”
The PDP has been grappling with internal disputes, particularly concerning the National Secretary role.
Tensions escalated when the South East nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s candidate for the Imo State governorship election.
Despite a Court of Appeal ruling in December 2024 favoring Ude-Okoye, disagreements persisted, leading to confrontations at party meetings and further legal challenges.
“Finally, I have nothing to add to the said legal opinion, it is hereby adopted as mine.” He concluded
