The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have officially affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, in line with a recent Appeal Court ruling in Enugu State.
During a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, the governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, distanced themselves from embattled former secretary Samuel Anyanwu and declared Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
In a communiqué signed by Mohammed, the governors also directed the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by March 13, 2025.
PDP’s Lingering Leadership Crisis
The PDP has been grappling with internal disputes, particularly after the 2023 general elections. The leadership turmoil intensified after former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu was removed by the court, paving the way for Damagum’s interim leadership.
Damagum has since faced growing criticism from party members, who accuse him of failing to stabilize the party.
The battle over the National Secretary position further deepened the crisis. In 2023, PDP’s South-East leaders nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had been chosen as the party’s governorship candidate for Imo State. However, Anyanwu refused to relinquish the role, fueling internal discord.
On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, a decision formally communicated to the PDP leadership on December 24.
With the governors’ latest endorsement and a NEC meeting now scheduled, the PDP aims to resolve its lingering disputes and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.