The internal legal battle surrounding the office of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party has deepened divisions within the party’s National Working Committee, worsening the ongoing crisis.
A senior NWC member, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorisation, revealed that the recent Court of Appeal ruling from Enugu, which removed Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and declared Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement, has caused mixed reactions among the committee members.
The ruling has further split the NWC, with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature reportedly siding with Anyanwu, while key officials, including National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, Legal Adviser Kamaldeeen Ajibade (SAN), National Treasurer Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, and Financial Secretary Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, advocate for the enforcement of the judgment.
The crisis over the National Secretary position dates back to 2023 when Anyanwu was selected as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Imo State. The party’s South-East zone subsequently nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, arguing that he had automatically vacated the National Secretary role by becoming a candidate.
However, Ude-Okoye’s nomination triggered legal disputes, resulting in conflicting rulings from various courts. The matter culminated on December 20, 2024, when the Enugu Appeal Court upheld an earlier High Court decision confirming Ude-Okoye’s nomination as Anyanwu’s successor.
In response, Ologunagba reaffirmed the party’s commitment to obeying the court’s directive. “The judgment is explicit, and the PDP will comply,” he stated.
Despite the court ruling, Damagum and Anyanwu are reportedly seeking to appeal the decision, potentially delaying its implementation. A source within the NWC disclosed, “The committee is divided. Damagum, Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary are working to appeal the judgment, likely seeking a political solution. However, other members, including the Legal Adviser and the Publicity Secretary, insist on enforcing the judgment immediately.”
The divide has exacerbated tensions within the party. Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is said to be backing Damagum and Anyanwu, while Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, and other prominent PDP leaders reportedly support Ude-Okoye.
Speaking on the matter, Ude-Okoye maintained his legitimacy as the PDP National Secretary. “The Enugu judgment of 20th December 2024 affirmed me as the PDP National Secretary, and Sam Anyanwu is now a former National Secretary,” he said. “The judgment is very explicit. It directed that I be sworn in within 24 hours, and I have assumed my role. The PDP remains united, and I am focused on delivering in this position.”
On the other hand, Anyanwu dismissed the ruling’s impact, stating, “The matter has been appealed on the same date. As far as I am concerned, there is no issue about that.”
The ongoing legal tussle reflects the broader crisis within the PDP, which has struggled with internal conflicts before and after the 2023 elections. Many party members blame Damagum and his alignment with Wike for the turmoil, which has weakened the party’s structure across states.
