PDP National Secretary Crisis Deepens As Anyanwu, Udeh-Okoye Clash Over Legitimacy

Anyanwu Challenges Udeh-Okoye’s Authority in PDP Leadership Dispute

The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye continue their battle for legitimacy over the position of National Secretary. The conflict took a new turn after Udeh-Okoye issued an official notice, which Anyanwu swiftly dismissed, declaring it unauthorized and illegitimate.

The controversy erupted when a statement bearing Udeh-Okoye’s name as PDP National Secretary was distributed to the press via the party’s Publicity Directorate. The statement announced a postponement of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from March 15 to May 15, 2025. However, Anyanwu strongly opposed this move, insisting that Udeh-Okoye lacks the legal authority to issue such a directive.

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Anyanwu Declares Udeh-Okoye’s Actions Invalid

In a strongly worded letter addressed to PDP Governors, NEC members, and other party stakeholders, Anyanwu made it clear that Udeh-Okoye is neither the National Secretary nor a recognized member of the National Working Committee (NWC). Therefore, Anyanwu argued, Udeh-Okoye had no right to sign or circulate official PDP documents.

“Udeh-Okoye is not the National Secretary of our dear party and was never in any NWC meeting where he was mandated to issue such notice,” Anyanwu asserted. He warned that any directive issued by Udeh-Okoye should be disregarded, labeling it as an illegitimate attempt to mislead party members.

Court Order Violation Allegations Against Udeh-Okoye

Anyanwu went further, accusing Udeh-Okoye of violating a court order that had explicitly barred him from acting as PDP’s National Secretary. He warned that defying the judicial order was not only illegal but amounted to contempt of court.

“Udeh-Okoye should be aware that he is under a restraining order of a court of competent jurisdiction to stop parading himself as the National Secretary of PDP pending the determination of the appeal lying before the apex court,” Anyanwu emphasized.

He added that any document issued under Udeh-Okoye’s name as National Secretary holds no legal weight and should be considered null and void.

Anyanwu Labels Udeh-Okoye a “Political Saboteur”

Taking a stronger stance, Anyanwu accused Udeh-Okoye of deliberately trying to destabilize the PDP. He described him as a political saboteur and warned against any further actions that could disrupt the party’s stability.

“It is obvious from the conduct of Udeh-Okoye that he is an agent set to destroy the party,” Anyanwu said. “He is, therefore, warned to refrain from further acts that tend to undermine the peace and stability of the party and again impugn the integrity of the judiciary.”

Anyanwu concluded by asserting that any directives or official statements from Udeh-Okoye should be ignored, as they do not carry any legal backing.

PDP Leadership Crisis Threatens Party Stability

The ongoing battle between Anyanwu and Udeh-Okoye has further deepened divisions within the PDP. With court orders in play and accusations of political sabotage being thrown around, the party faces an uphill task in maintaining unity.

As the controversy continues, party stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, wary of the impact it may have on the PDP’s future, particularly with the upcoming 2025 elections. Whether the Supreme Court will intervene or if the party leadership will find a resolution remains to be seen.