PDP leadership crisis deepens as pro-Wike faction refuses to step aside

The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with stakeholders clashing over the position of National Secretary.

The dispute centers on a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which upheld an earlier Federal High Court decision removing Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary and affirming Ude Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.

The controversy dates back to 2023, when Southeast PDP stakeholders selected Ude Okoye to succeed Anyanwu, who resigned to contest the Imo State governorship election under the party’s platform.

After losing to Governor Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anyanwu sought to reclaim his former role, despite court rulings against him.

Last week, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi of the appellate court reaffirmed Okoye’s legitimacy as National Secretary.

However, Anyanwu has refused to relinquish the position, stating his intention to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.

His refusal has heightened tensions and deepened divisions within the party’s leadership.

The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) is now split, with one faction backing Okoye and another supporting Anyanwu.

Key allies of Anyanwu include Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, both of whom are loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In contrast, Ude Okoye, a former Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, has insisted that the party abide by the appellate court ruling and allow him to assume his duties as National Secretary.

Observers warned that Anyanwu’s continued defiance of court rulings could result in legal complications that may undermine the PDP’s operations and decisions, further destabilizing the party ahead of critical political engagements.