The crisis within Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with two opposing factions within the National Working Committee (NWC) issuing contradictory statements regarding the party’s national secretary position. The disagreement emerged after a court ruling ordered the removal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and the appointment of Sunday Kelly Enemchukwu Udeh-Okoye in his place.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed a press conference acknowledging the Appeal Court’s ruling and confirming Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. He stated that the party, which prides itself on respecting the rule of law, would comply with the court’s decision.
However, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, held a separate press conference, asserting that Anyanwu remained the party’s National Secretary until the Supreme Court made a final decision. Abdullahi accused Ologunagba of acting on personal interests and suggested that the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, supported this stance.
The controversy stems from the Appeal Court’s decision on December 24, 2023, which ruled in favor of Udeh-Okoye after he filed a suit claiming that Anyanwu’s candidacy for the Imo State governorship election disqualified him from holding the party’s secretary position. Anyanwu, however, remains defiant, insisting he is still the authentic National Secretary until the Supreme Court resolves the issue.
The ongoing dispute has sparked concerns about further factionalization within the party. Political analysts warn that the crisis could lead to a split within the NWC, weakening the PDP’s ability to mount a formidable challenge to the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP has intervened, with Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara urging respect for the court ruling, emphasizing that a declaratory judgment, such as the one issued by the Appeal Court, cannot be stayed. He urged the party to avoid wasting resources on challenging the judgment further and instead focus on addressing the Supreme Court.
As the feud continues, some party members, including governors, are reportedly in talks to defect to the ruling APC, citing the PDP’s internal strife and perceived instability as major reasons for their departure. Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori of Delta State, in particular, is rumored to be preparing to leave the PDP, seeking the support of the APC to secure his second term.