Anyanwu Resumes as PDP National Secretary Despite Governors’ Backing of Ude-Okoye

Senator Samuel Anyanwu has resumed his duties as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disregarding the endorsement of Sunday Ude-Okoye by the PDP Governors’ Forum.

Last Friday, the forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, affirmed Ude-Okoye’s appointment based on an Appeal Court ruling and directed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to enforce the decision.

However, in a bold move, Anyanwu arrived at the PDP National Headquarters in Wadata Plaza on Monday afternoon, dressed in white, and went straight to his office to continue his official duties.

The PDP has been grappling with internal disputes, particularly after the 2023 general elections, deepening divisions within the party. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced criticism for failing to stabilize the party since taking over from former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu.

The controversy over the National Secretary position has further intensified the party’s crisis. In 2023, the PDP’s South East leadership nominated Ude-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, to replace Anyanwu after he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State.

On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, and the PDP leadership received official notification on December 24. However, on January 27, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order, allowing Anyanwu to retain his position until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment.

Tensions escalated last Wednesday when Anyanwu’s supporters disrupted a Board of Trustees meeting and forcefully removed Ude-Okoye, leading to security intervention.

In response, PDP governors, during a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirmed their backing of Ude-Okoye and urged the NWC to implement the Appeal Court ruling.

Anyanwu, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court, insisted that he remains the legitimate National Secretary. He described the governors’ endorsement of Ude-Okoye as a deliberate provocation and called for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation of the crisis.