The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of easing, with two key party leaders contesting the position of National Secretary.
A Court of Appeal in Enugu recently ruled that Ude Okoye Ude is the rightful occupant of the office, reports Vanguard.
However, the current officeholder, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has vowed to remain in the role until his appeal at the Supreme Court is resolved.
The dispute stems from Anyanwu’s decision to run in the Imo State gubernatorial election. After securing the PDP’s ticket, contesting, and losing, Anyanwu insisted on retaining his seat as National Secretary.
During the Imo State gubernatorial election, stakeholders in the South East region nominated Ude as their preferred candidate for National Secretary, citing Anyanwu’s gubernatorial ambitions. Despite this, efforts for Ude to assume office were blocked by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) under Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum.
Ude then sought legal recourse. A High Court upheld his claim, but Anyanwu appealed the decision. In the appeal, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi of the Enugu High Court dismissed Anyanwu’s case, ruling it lacked merit, and ordered immediate enforcement of the High Court’s judgment within 24 hours.
Despite the ruling, Anyanwu has refused to step down and announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, arguing that he remains entitled to the office until a higher court rules otherwise.
Ude, emboldened by the court’s decision, insisted on taking office as National Secretary.
He warned that the party could face severe consequences if Anyanwu continues to defy court orders and impersonates the Secretary by signing official party documents, stressing that Anyanwu is legally considered an impostor.
Ude also raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing dispute on the PDP’s upcoming national convention, where a new National Chairman is expected to be elected.
He stated, “If Anyanwu continues in this role and oversees the convention, all decisions, including the potential selection of a presidential candidate, could be nullified if challenged in court.”
“This is not just about me; it’s about the survival of the party. We are all bound by the Appeal Court’s judgment,” Ude added.
“This is a defining moment for the PDP. We must respect the rule of law and prioritize the party’s collective interests over personal ambitions. How the PDP navigates this internal crisis will determine its ability to maintain its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.”
