The National Working Committee (NWC) ofthe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially confirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, as the party’s National Secretary, following the resolution of a prolonged legal dispute.
This confirmation was communicated in a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. The NWC confirmed that it is bound by the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on the matter.
The NWC further stated that it has commenced the process of notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities about its decision to affirm Udeh-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary, in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
The statement read in part, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and thoroughly considered the memo dated February 11, 2025, presented by the Acting National Chairman on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP.
“In reviewing the memo, the NWC carefully examined the accompanying documents, including the declaratory judgment of the High Court of Enugu, the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which declared Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP, as well as the legal opinions provided by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki SAN and the National Legal Adviser of the PDP.
“After careful deliberation, the NWC unanimously recognises, acknowledges, and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, fully complying with and adhering to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, recognising that there is no superior or overriding judgment or order from any higher court.”
The NWC has now initiated the process of transmitting its resolution to INEC and other relevant bodies for formal recognition, in line with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The PDP NWC expressed its gratitude to the party’s leaders, members, and stakeholders for their loyalty, respect for the rule of law, and continued support throughout this challenging period. It reassured everyone that the party remains committed to its Constitution, the rule of law, and its founding vision for stability, growth, democracy, and the welfare of Nigerians.
The PDP has faced several internal challenges both before and after the 2023 elections, which have led to instability and divisions within the party. Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has faced significant criticism, particularly after succeeding Iyorchia Ayu.
Tensions around the National Secretary position grew when the South East nominated Udeh-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had been selected as the PDP’s candidate for the Imo governorship.
On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court ruled in favour of Udeh-Okoye, but disputes persisted. On January 28, Anyanwu’s supporters forcibly removed Udeh-Okoye from a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, prompting calls for intervention.
On January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, endorsed the court’s decision during a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, officially recognising Udeh-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.
However, Anyanwu rejected this outcome, filing petitions with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court, accusing the governors of exacerbating the crisis.
On Wednesday, the BoT, under the leadership of former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, also confirmed Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary after reviewing the case.
Following this, on February 6, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum issued a memo to the PDP National Legal Adviser seeking guidance on whether to act on the directives from the Governors and the BoT, due to the ongoing disputes surrounding the National Secretary position.
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and ousted National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu failed to appear before the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) on Wednesday.
The committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, had summoned both high-profile party members to address petitions against them, but neither honoured the summons.
Addressing the press at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, Chief Ikimi confirmed that the two politicians had been served notices via courier, with proof of receipt.
However, Anyanwu responded through his doctor, citing ill health and requesting a new hearing date. Ortom, on the other hand, denied receiving the summons.
“The petitions were duly served, and we have evidence of delivery. Senator Anyanwu provided a medical excuse, while Ortom has denied receiving the notice. Despite these claims, we have decided to reschedule the hearing for March 4, 2025,” Chief Ikimi said.
In the wake of their absence, Ortom’s legal team issued a strong protest, accusing the NDC of procedural violations.
The lawyers argued that a press release issued on February 5, 2025, disclosing allegations against Ortom publicly was a violation of due process and the PDP Constitution.
The legal team, led by C.T. Mue demanded the immediate withdrawal of the press release and a formal apology within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action.
