By: Bayero Ade
The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), has urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary without further delay.
According to Afripost, In a memo submitted to the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and received on Monday, Ajibade reaffirmed his support for the Board of Trustees (BoT) panel’s decision, which declared Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
He emphasized that both Ude-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had voluntarily accepted the BoT panel’s arbitration, led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, and should therefore abide by its verdict.
Ongoing PDP Crisis
The PDP has been grappling with an internal crisis over the National Secretary position since the South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State.
Tensions escalated after the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye on December 20, 2024. However, disputes persisted, peaking on January 28, 2025, when Anyanwu’s supporters forcefully removed Ude-Okoye from a BoT meeting.
On January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, upheld the court’s ruling, officially recognizing Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. However, Anyanwu rejected the decision, petitioning the Supreme Court and accusing the governors of worsening the crisis.
Following further review, the BoT, chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate officeholder.
Call for Action
Acting National Chairman Damagum subsequently sought legal advice from Ajibade on February 6. In his response, dated February 7 and received on Monday, the PDP Legal Adviser confirmed that Ude-Okoye remains the legally recognized National Secretary.
Ajibade warned that ignoring the BoT’s ruling could further destabilize the party. He stressed that since both parties had agreed to BoT arbitration, they must now respect the outcome.
“The individuals involved voluntarily submitted to the BoT panel, chaired by Dr. Kabiru Turaki (SAN). The legal opinion derived from the proceedings has been endorsed by the BoT, which serves as the conscience of the party,” Ajibade stated.
He concluded by urging the PDP leadership to proceed with Ude-Okoye’s swearing-in as a necessary step toward restoring stability in the party.
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