The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis following the Court of Appeal’s declaration of Ude Okoye Ude as the party’s substantive National Secretary.
This decision has put the PDP on a collision course with its current occupant of the office, Samuel Anyanwu, who has refused to vacate the position, further complicating the party’s internal stability.
Last week, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu upheld a High Court ruling that invalidated Anyanwu’s position as National Secretary.
The court reaffirmed Ude Okoye’s claim to the role, ruling that Anyanwu’s retention of the office after emerging as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Imo State during the 2023 elections violated the party’s constitution.
Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, delivering the lead judgement, declared Anyanwu’s appeal meritless and ordered the immediate implementation of the judgement within 24 hours.
Despite the ruling, Anyanwu has vowed not to relinquish the position. He announced his intention to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, arguing that he remains entitled to the office until a higher court decides otherwise.
However, legal experts warn that Anyanwu’s continued occupation of the office would contravene the Appeal Court’s directive, rendering any actions taken in his capacity as National Secretary legally void.
Okoye, emboldened by the court’s decision, insists he is now the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP.
He has publicly warned of severe consequences if Anyanwu continues to perform duties associated with the office.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Ude expressed concerns over the implications of the ongoing dispute for the PDP’s upcoming national convention, where a new National Chairman is expected to be elected.
“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,” Ude stated.
“This is not just about me; it’s about the party’s survival. We are all bound by the Appeal Court’s judgement.”
The leadership crisis threatens to destabilize the PDP’s preparations for its national convention.
Party insiders worry that unresolved disputes over the National Secretary position could undermine the legitimacy of the convention’s outcomes, creating a fertile ground for legal challenges.
Although the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has previously expressed confidence in its ability to resolve internal conflicts, it has yet to issue a formal response to the current situation.
Party sources suggest the NWC is deliberating on strategies to prevent the escalating conflict from derailing the convention.
The Appeal Court’s decision has exposed deep fissures within the PDP’s leadership, raising questions about the party’s unity and preparedness for future elections. Ude has warned that if the crisis persists, it could have catastrophic consequences for the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.
“This is a defining moment for the PDP,” Ude said.
“We must respect the rule of law and prioritise the party’s collective interests over personal ambitions.”
Party sources have warned that with the Supreme Court appeal looming, the PDP faces a critical juncture.
Anyanwu’s refusal to vacate office, coupled with Ude’s insistence on implementing the Appeal Court’s judgment, has left the party in a precarious position.
“How the PDP navigates this internal crisis will determine its ability to maintain its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party,” a source affirmed to Tribune Online.
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