The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially confirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary. This decision follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, which declared Udeh-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
In a statement issued by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party noted that it is bound by the court’s decision and has begun taking steps to ensure compliance. The NWC has started sending its resolution affirming Udeh-Okoye’s position to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities for official recognition.
The statement read in part “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its meeting today, Wednesday, February 12, 2025 extensively considered the memo dated 11th February, 2025 presented by the Acting National Chairman on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP.
“The NWC, in considering the memo thoroughly examined the attached documents namely; the declaratory judgment of the High Court of Enugu, the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division which pronounced and declared Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP; the legal opinion and advice by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki SAN as well as that of the National Legal Adviser of the PDP.
“After due consideration of the memo and the attachments, the NWC overwhelmingly recognises, acknowledges and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full compliance with and obedience to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, recognising that there is no subsisting or superseding judgment or order from any court of superior authority or hierarchy.
“The NWC has commenced the transmission of its resolution/decision affirming Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the PDP National Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for recognition in line with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.”
The party has assured that its decision aligns with its commitment to the rule of law and internal stability. It also commended its leaders, members, and stakeholders for their patience and support during this period.
The confirmation of Udeh-Okoye’s position comes amid ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, particularly following the 2023 elections. The party has faced divisions, leadership struggles, and legal disputes over key positions.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has been at the center of controversies, with critics questioning his leadership. The dispute over the National Secretary position intensified after the South East nominated Udeh-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who was chosen as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Imo State.
Although the Court of Appeal ruled in Udeh-Okoye’s favor on December 20, 2024, tensions persisted. On January 28, supporters of Anyanwu physically removed Udeh-Okoye from a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, escalating the crisis.
Subsequently, on January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed Udeh-Okoye’s position during a meeting in Asaba, Delta State. However, Anyanwu rejected the decision and took further legal steps, petitioning the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court in an attempt to overturn the ruling.
On February 6, Acting Chairman Damagum sought legal advice from the PDP National Legal Adviser regarding whether to enforce the governors’ and BoT’s decision. A week later, the NWC finally resolved the matter by officially confirming Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.
