The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with internal leadership disputes, particularly regarding the position of National Secretary, a critical role in the party’s operations. This internal strife, stemming from the aftermath of the 2023 elections, has intensified and fractured the party along various lines. The core issue revolves around the legitimacy of who holds the office of National Secretary, a position vital for the party’s organizational effectiveness and strategic decision-making. The party’s management and staff, comprising 83 members, have publicly declared their support for the PDP Governors’ Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC)’s decision to recognize Setonji Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary, as the acting National Secretary. This declaration aims to stabilize the party and project a unified front amidst the ongoing internal power struggles. The staff believes this is the most appropriate course of action to maintain party integrity and restore confidence among its members.
The controversy around the National Secretary position began with a lower court’s ruling in December 2024, appointing Sunday Ude-Okoye, the former National Youth Leader, to the role. While initially accepted by key party bodies like the Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees, and the NWC, this decision was challenged at the Supreme Court by the then-removed National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The Supreme Court, in March 2025, dismissed Anyanwu’s removal, asserting that internal party matters fall outside the purview of the courts. This ruling, however, did not resolve the underlying conflict, leading to further disagreement within the party. Senator Anyanwu interpreted the Supreme Court’s dismissal of his removal as a validation of his claim to the position, while the NWC interpreted it as upholding Ude-Okoye’s appointment. This difference in interpretation further fueled the existing tensions within the PDP.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, the PDP Governors’ Forum, in April 2025, requested the South East zone to nominate a new National Secretary and subsequently endorsed Koshoedo as the acting National Secretary. This decision was ratified by the NWC at its 600th meeting, further solidifying Koshoedo’s position. Despite these efforts, the dispute remained unresolved, highlighting the deep divisions within the party. The conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent actions taken by the Governors’ Forum and the NWC failed to quell the dissent, leaving the party in a state of continued uncertainty and internal conflict. The persistent disagreement underscored the need for a more comprehensive reconciliation process to address the root causes of the division.
Recognizing the urgent need for a resolution, serving and former governors convened and appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to head a seven-member reconciliation committee. This committee is tasked with mediating the internal disputes and finding common ground before the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27 and the elective convention in August. The success of this committee is crucial for the PDP’s future, as a prolonged internal struggle could weaken the party’s ability to effectively challenge its political rivals. The party staff’s public backing of Koshoedo as acting National Secretary further emphasizes their commitment to stability and their hope that the Saraki-led committee will succeed in its reconciliation efforts.
The PDP staff, through their spokesperson Gurama Bawa, underscored the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and respecting internal processes for nominations and appointments. They believe that recognizing Koshoedo as acting National Secretary aligns with the party’s constitutional provisions and is the most prudent course of action given the sensitive nature of the office. The staff expressed confidence that this decision will foster stability and restore confidence among party members, emphasizing the need for unity, discipline, and loyalty within the party ranks. They have also called on the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to ensure that the NEC meeting proceeds as planned, as this is a critical platform for addressing the pressing issues and reinforcing the party’s core values.
The PDP’s internal struggles represent a significant challenge to its cohesion and effectiveness. The dispute over the National Secretary position is not just about an individual role; it reflects deeper fissures within the party. The various interpretations of court rulings and the subsequent actions by different party organs highlight the lack of a unified understanding and approach to conflict resolution. The Saraki-led reconciliation committee carries the weight of these challenges, tasked with bridging the divides and charting a path towards a more unified and stable PDP. The party’s ability to overcome these internal conflicts will be a crucial determinant of its future political prospects. The staff’s plea for adherence to the party’s constitution and their emphasis on unity, discipline, and loyalty underscore the importance of internal cohesion for the party’s survival and success.
