Tensions flared at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday as a physical altercation broke out during the ongoing Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. The dramatic scene unfolded when Sunday Ude-Okoye was forcibly removed from the meeting, deepening the raging leadership crisis within the party.
The confrontation stems from the battle for the National Secretary position between Ude-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Ude-Okoye arrived at the venue ahead of Anyanwu and Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum. However, upon Anyanwu’s arrival, suspected loyalists of the former Imo governorship candidate forcefully ejected Ude-Okoye, triggering an uproar.
A video of the scuffle has surfaced online, showing Ude-Okoye protesting and calling on his supporters to resist his removal. The violent clash is yet another indication of the internal divisions that have plagued the PDP leadership.
(Watch Video Here)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=537229812704910
The fight for the National Secretary seat has been ongoing since Anyanwu left to contest the Imo State governorship election, during which the PDP South-East Caucus endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement. However, following his loss, Anyanwu returned to reclaim his position, leading to renewed hostility.
On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld an earlier ruling removing Anyanwu and affirming Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary. Despite this, Anyanwu has refused to relinquish the position, accusing former PDP South-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, of orchestrating his removal.
The latest fracas at the BoT meeting signals deeper cracks within the PDP, raising concerns over its stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
