Despite opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has resumed office as the party’s National Secretary, challenging the endorsement of Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement.
On Friday, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, had affirmed Ude-Okoye as the party’s new National Secretary, citing an Appeal Court ruling.
They directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to implement the court’s decision.
However, around noon on Monday, Anyanwu arrived at the PDP National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, dressed in white, and proceeded to his office to continue his duties, signaling his defiance of the governors’ decision.
The PDP has been grappling with internal crises both before and after the 2023 general elections, leading to deep divisions and leadership struggles.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has come under increasing criticism for failing to stabilize the party after taking over from Iyorchia Ayu, who was removed by the court over leadership failures.
The dispute over the National Secretary position dates back to 2023 when the South East wing of the PDP nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had become the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State.
The Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in December 2024 that Ude-Okoye should assume the role, and the PDP leadership was formally notified.
However, on January 27, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order allowing Anyanwu to remain in office until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling on the matter.
Tensions escalated last week when supporters of Anyanwu clashed with those backing Ude-Okoye, leading to security intervention at a PDP Board of Trustees meeting.
Following this, the PDP governors reaffirmed their support for Ude-Okoye during a meeting in Asaba, Delta State.
In response, Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court, insisting that he remains the PDP National Secretary.
He described the governors’ endorsement of Ude-Okoye as an attempt to create further division within the party and called for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.
