The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, continues to grapple with internal leadership disputes, highlighting the fragility of its structure and potentially jeopardizing its ability to effectively challenge the ruling party. A recent meeting of PDP governors, held in Asaba, Delta State, sought to address the contentious issue of the National Secretary position, a key administrative role within the party. The governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, affirmed their support for Sunday Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, aligning themselves with a December 2024 Enugu Appeal Court ruling that favoured Ude-Okoye over the incumbent, Samuel Anyanwu. This decision underscores the ongoing power struggle within the PDP and the legal complexities surrounding the dispute, which further threaten to destabilize the party.
The controversy surrounding the National Secretary position stems from the 2023 nomination of Anyanwu as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Imo State. The party’s South-East zone subsequently nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement, arguing that Anyanwu’s gubernatorial aspirations created a conflict of interest with his role as National Secretary. This triggered a series of legal challenges and counter-challenges, culminating in the Enugu Appeal Court’s decision. However, the matter is far from resolved, as a subsequent restraining order issued by the Abuja Court of Appeal in January 2025 has allowed Anyanwu to remain in office pending a final ruling from the Supreme Court. This legal tug-of-war has created a volatile atmosphere within the party, exacerbated by incidents such as the physical removal of Ude-Okoye from a Board of Trustees meeting by Anyanwu’s supporters.
The PDP governors, in their Asaba communique, not only endorsed Ude-Okoye but also directed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, to implement the Enugu Appeal Court’s judgment. Furthermore, they called for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to be convened by March 13, 2025, to address the ongoing leadership crisis and chart a course forward for the party. The governors’ intervention highlights their attempt to exert control over the party machinery and resolve the internal disputes that have hampered its effectiveness. However, the legal complexities and entrenched factions within the PDP suggest that achieving unity and stability will be a challenging task.
Beyond the internal wrangling over leadership positions, the PDP governors also used the Asaba meeting to criticize the Federal Government’s economic policies, accusing the ruling party of inflicting hardship on Nigerians. They called for a review of these policies, arguing that they have created a challenging economic environment that hinders meaningful development at the state level. This criticism serves as a platform for the PDP to position itself as an alternative to the ruling party, highlighting its concern for the economic well-being of the citizenry. By linking the nation’s economic woes to the Federal Government’s policies, the PDP aims to capitalize on public discontent and present itself as a viable alternative in future elections.
The PDP governors’ commendation of security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, coupled with their call for improvements in the nation’s security architecture, further underscores their attempt to present a comprehensive critique of the current administration. By addressing both economic and security concerns, the PDP seeks to portray itself as a party capable of tackling the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. This dual focus on economic hardship and security concerns reflects a broader strategy to connect with the electorate on issues that directly impact their daily lives, thereby strengthening the PDP’s appeal as a credible opposition force.
The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, exemplified by the National Secretary dispute, underscores the deep-seated divisions and power struggles within the party. While the governors’ intervention represents an attempt to restore order and assert control, the legal challenges and entrenched factions within the PDP suggest that achieving lasting stability will be a protracted and complex endeavor. The party’s ability to effectively challenge the ruling party and present a cohesive alternative vision for the nation will depend on its ability to overcome these internal divisions and project a united front. The PDP’s future success hinges on its ability to navigate these turbulent waters and emerge as a unified and credible opposition force capable of resonating with the Nigerian electorate.
