The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself teetering on the precipice of further internal strife as two individuals, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, both claiming the mantle of national secretary, prepare to resume office simultaneously. This impending clash stems from conflicting court rulings and deep-seated factionalism within the party, threatening to exacerbate the existing turmoil that has plagued the PDP since the 2023 elections. The situation has divided the National Working Committee (NWC) and even some governors, with each faction rallying behind their preferred candidate, further entrenching the divisions within the party.
The crux of the conflict lies in the interpretation and implementation of court judgments. The Court of Appeal recently affirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate national secretary. However, Anyanwu, the erstwhile secretary, refuses to acknowledge the verdict, insisting on his continued occupancy of the position. This defiance has created a power vacuum and a looming showdown at the party’s national headquarters. The potential for violence and further disruption is palpable, casting a shadow over the PDP’s ability to function effectively as an opposition party.
The roots of this specific conflict trace back to Anyanwu’s selection as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in 2023. Following his nomination, the South-East zone of the party put forward Ude-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, as his replacement. This move sparked a series of legal challenges, resulting in contradictory court rulings, which have now culminated in the current impasse. The party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes seem to have broken down, leaving the PDP vulnerable to further fragmentation and potentially irreparable damage.
The standoff between Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu has exposed the deep fissures within the PDP. Ude-Okoye, armed with the Court of Appeal judgment, asserts his rightful claim to the secretary position, dismissing the possibility of a confrontation and emphasizing the supposed unity within the NWC. He accuses Anyanwu of attempting to destabilize the party and questions the motives of those threatening violence. Anyanwu, however, maintains his position, citing a filed stay of execution and asserting his intention to resume office. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law within the party and calls for calm, attributing the conflict to political maneuvering for the 2027 elections.
Key figures within the PDP have weighed in on the crisis, appealing for adherence to the rule of law and a peaceful resolution. The Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, stresses the importance of respecting the court judgment, urging any dissenting parties to seek redress through the Supreme Court. He emphasizes that the PDP is a party governed by the rule of law and that compliance with the court’s decision is crucial to avoid anarchy. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoes this sentiment, confirming Ude-Okoye’s recognition as the secretary based on the Appeal Court ruling. He insists that the PDP is a law-abiding party and will comply with the judgment, while also acknowledging the possibility of adhering to future contradictory rulings.
Calls for calm and unity have also emerged from within the party ranks. Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader, and Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, express concern over the escalating tension and its potential to worsen the party’s internal woes. They urge the NWC to prioritize finding a solution that will restore peace within the party and allow it to focus on its role as a viable opposition force. The situation highlights the urgent need for internal conflict resolution mechanisms and a renewed commitment to party unity if the PDP hopes to regain its footing and effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections. The failure to address these internal divisions effectively threatens to further marginalize the PDP and hinder its ability to play a constructive role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
