The South-East Zonal Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has officially renominated former National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.
Senate Minority Leader Osita Ngwu presented the zonal caucus resolution to the PDP’s acting National Working Committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
He recounted the party’s efforts to resolve the lingering crisis surrounding the national secretary position, including interventions by the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Ngwu recalled that following a Supreme Court judgment, the PDP-GF met in Oyo State on April 14 and adopted a resolution directing the South-East zone to nominate a candidate.
“The zonal committee met on May 14 at the Enugu State Government House and unanimously nominated Udeh-Okoye as its nominee for the position,” Ngwu stated.
Appealing to the party leadership, Ngwu said: “We are asking you to look at a zone that has been the backdrop and backbone of the PDP. A zone that has delivered all the National Assembly members and all governors to the PDP in the past, a zone that is eager to redeem its past glory.”
He emphasized the need for unity, adding: “We are praying that the request of this zone should not be jeopardized. Let us look at it based on the point of its merits. Let it be a stepping stone in our urge and our drive to reposition our party.”
Ngwu stressed that the South-East’s position has always been to find lasting solutions to the party’s crisis: “We are looking for lasting peace so that we can perform better in the upcoming and subsequent elections.”
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, represented by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, assured the delegation of the NWC’s commitment to resolving the matter.
Damagum pledged to forward the resolution to the National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 27, while urging aggrieved members to remain in the party.
“I understand why you are not happy, but even as you are angry out there, we can find a solution. It’s like a landlord running out of his own house because the house is leaking,” Damagum said.
Expressing optimism, he added: “PDP is the only party where you can feel peaceful; you can express your opinion. It’s just like that in any family. We can do it. We can resolve it. And I know, and I’m quite sure, that PDP will overcome.”
The development comes as the party seeks to strengthen its structures ahead of future elections.
