PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens As Udeh-Okoye Declares Himself National Secretary

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Monday, as Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye proclaimed himself the party’s National Secretary, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

Arriving at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Udeh-Okoye asserted his right to the position, even though Senator Sam Anyanwu retains physical control of the office, with his personal belongings still in place.

Addressing journalists, Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP, stated that his actions were in full compliance with the Court of Appeal ruling, which affirmed him as the rightful replacement for Senator Anyanwu.

He emphasized that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had acknowledged the judgment.

Senator Anyanwu, who has yet to vacate the office, has remained silent on the development. Sources close to Anyanwu revealed that he has not sought a stay of execution against the court ruling.

His loyalists, however, dismissed Udeh-Okoye’s actions as “a pipe dream,” asserting that Anyanwu remains the legitimate occupant of the position.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed on Friday that the party had received the court judgment and would comply with its directive.

This follows an earlier attempt by some party leaders, including Ajibade, to suspend the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ikyas Damagum, and Anyanwu.

Reiterating his claim, Udeh-Okoye on Monday maintained that his presence at the party headquarters was a demonstration of his commitment to the court’s ruling, which had been officially recognized by both the party and INEC.

Udeh-Okoye said, “The main reason why I am here is to resume office. I am resuming today, the 30th of December in obedience to the Appeal Court in Enugu that sacked the former National secretary and made me the national secretary of PDP.

“I came today to resume office and to also supervise the whole environment and make sure that things are in order. Yes, the staff have gone for x-mas holiday to resume on 13th of January, where this place will be filled with our workers.

“I also appreciate the PDP Governors Forum that is giving me support, the Former ((PDP) Ministers’ Forum, the PDP BoT, members of the party, the leaders of the party from my zone (South East), who nominated and stood by me.

“Even though there are many challenges before, but the court has fixed it and made a pronouncement on December 20.”

Udehwho also disclosed that he was on his way to join an unscheduled meeting with other members of the PDP National Working Committee.