PDP Crisis Deepens as Udeh-Okoye Declares Himself National Secretary After Court Ruling

• Udeh-Okoye claims PDP National Secretary role after court ruling.
• Anyanwu still holds office, but Udeh-Okoye is recognized by PDP and INEC.
• Udeh-Okoye gains support from PDP Governors’ Forum and South East leaders.

The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday when Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye declared himself the party’s National Secretary, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

Udeh-Okoye arrived at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, to assert his claim to the position, despite Senator Sam Anyanwu’s continued control of the office, with his personal belongings still in place.

Speaking to journalists, Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP, explained that his actions were in full compliance with the Court of Appeal’s decision, which confirmed him as the rightful successor to Senator Anyanwu. He noted that both the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had acknowledged the court’s judgment.

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Senator Anyanwu has yet to vacate the office and has not publicly commented on the development. Sources close to him stated that he has not sought a stay of execution against the court ruling. Meanwhile, Anyanwu’s supporters dismissed Udeh-Okoye’s move, calling it “a pipe dream” and insisting that Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed on Friday that the party had received the court judgment and would adhere to its directive. This follows an earlier attempt by party leaders, including Ajibade, to suspend acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Ikyas Damagum and Anyanwu.

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Reaffirming his position, Udeh-Okoye explained that his presence at the headquarters was to resume office in accordance with the court’s ruling. He added that the staff would return from the holiday in mid-January, when the office would be fully operational.

Udeh-Okoye also expressed gratitude to the PDP Governors’ Forum, the former PDP Ministers’ Forum, and party leaders from his South East zone for their support. He concluded by revealing plans to attend an unscheduled meeting with other members of the PDP National Working Committee.

Here is the video of the week