The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has established a committee to address the escalating conflict over the party’s National Secretary position. This decision follows a physical altercation at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on January 29, 2025, involving claimants Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The BoT’s communique, issued after its 79th meeting, expressed serious concerns over unresolved challenges within the party, particularly disagreements in the National Working Committee (NWC). To mediate the dispute, the BoT appointed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, to lead a panel tasked with interfacing with the involved parties and reporting back for further action.
The contention arose when Anyanwu vacated the National Secretary role to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, which he lost. Subsequently, the South-East zonal executive committee nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement. Anyanwu challenged this move legally, but on December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, declaring him the authentic National Secretary. Anyanwu has since appealed to the Supreme Court and filed for a stay of execution.
During the BoT meeting, both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye were present, leading to heightened tensions. Ude-Okoye arrived after proceedings had commenced, taking a seat at the high table, which intensified the dispute.
The BoT has urged all NWC members, party organs, leaders, and stakeholders to prioritize the party’s stability and unity over personal or sectional interests. The Acting National Chairman assured that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is scheduled for February 2025 to address pertinent issues and reaffirm the party’s commitment to unity and discipline.
For a visual recap of the events, watch the coverage below:
