PDP Legal Adviser endorses Ude-Okoye as National Secretary, urges immediate swearing-In

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 former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, as the National Secretary without further delay.

In a memo addressed to Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and received on Monday, Ajibade affirmed his full support for the Board of Trustees (BoT) panel’s report, which recognized Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.

Ajibade emphasized that both Ude-Okoye and his rival, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had voluntarily submitted to the BoT panel chaired by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki. Therefore, he argued, they should respect and abide by the panel’s findings.

The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, worsened by leadership disputes that have persisted before and after the 2023 elections. The National Secretary position became a contentious issue after the South East nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had been selected for the Imo State governorship race.

The dispute escalated when the Appeal Court ruled in Ude-Okoye’s favor on December 20, 2024. However, tensions flared again on January 28, when Anyanwu’s supporters forcefully removed Ude-Okoye from a BoT meeting, prompting intervention.

Subsequently, on January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, endorsed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. However, Anyanwu rejected the decision, challenging it at the Supreme Court and petitioning law enforcement agencies while accusing the governors of exacerbating the crisis.

Following a review, the BoT, under the leadership of former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, upheld Ude-Okoye’s position as the valid National Secretary.

In response to the BoT’s directive, Acting National Chairman Damagum sought legal advice from the National Legal Adviser on February 6. Ajibade’s response, issued on February 7 and received on Monday, reaffirmed the legitimacy of Ude-Okoye’s appointment.

Ajibade stressed that any attempt to challenge the BoT’s ruling would undermine party unity and escalate existing tensions. He urged both parties to honor the decision, emphasizing that it was backed by legal expertise and in line with the PDP Constitution.

“The contending parties voluntarily submitted to the BoT panel led by Dr. Kabiru Turaki (SAN), and the legal opinion stemming from the proceedings has been endorsed by the BoT, which represents the conscience of the party,” Ajibade stated.

He concluded by fully adopting the BoT’s legal position, urging the party’s leadership to proceed with Ude-Okoye’s swearing-in to restore stability within the PDP.