Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye clashed over the party’s National Secretary position during a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the party’s national headquarters, became heated when both men asserted their claim to the position.
Ude-Okoye, who arrived before Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, was already seated when the situation took a dramatic turn.
Upon Anyanwu’s arrival, suspected thugs allegedly forced Ude-Okoye out of the meeting, leading to an uproar. Ude-Okoye reportedly resisted and called on his supporters to prevent his removal from the venue.
The confrontation underscored the deep division over the National Secretary role, which has been a source of conflict since Anyanwu left the position to contest the Imo governorship election.
The South-East Caucus of the PDP had backed Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu following his departure.
However, after losing the Imo election, Anyanwu returned to the party’s national secretariat, insisting on reclaiming his position. His return reignited the leadership dispute within the opposition party.
A legal battle has further complicated the issue. On December 20, 2024, an Appeal Court sitting in Enugu upheld a previous High Court ruling that removed Anyanwu from office and affirmed Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.
Despite the court’s decision, the power struggle has persisted, deepening the rift within the party.
Anyanwu has accused the party’s former South-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, of orchestrating his removal. The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about internal stability within the PDP as the party prepares for future political engagements.
