Tensions are escalating within the headquarters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s embattled National Secretary, has vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office.
The crisis took a violent turn on January 29 when a dispute arose over the position of National Secretary. Both Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, who also claims the role, sought to attend a Board of Trustees meeting, resulting in a physical confrontation before security forces intervened.
On Friday, governors elected under the PDP officially recognized Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, citing a December 20, 2024, ruling by the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal.
In response, Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warning that the governors’ stance could lead to unrest and undermine legal processes.
“The police must be aware of the serious consequences that could arise if the National Working Committee (NWC) proceeds with the implementation of the governors’ directive, as stated in their communique,” Anyanwu wrote. “This would be a direct challenge to the judiciary and the rule of law, especially since the matter is still under review by higher courts.”
He urged authorities to take necessary precautions to prevent any crisis fueled by the PDP Governors Forum and supporters of Ude-Okoye.
“The NWC must be advised against any actions that contradict the court’s position on this case,” he added. “As a law-abiding citizen, I have the right to challenge a judgment that was obtained through questionable means. Until the court decides otherwise, I remain the duly elected National Secretary of the PDP.”
The PDP Governors Forum, in a communique issued in Asaba on Friday, recommended that the NWC move forward with implementing the Court of Appeal’s ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye’s appointment.
However, Anyanwu countered that an appeal against the ruling has already been filed with the Supreme Court. He also noted that the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued an order on January 13, 2025, instructing all parties to maintain the current status quo until a final decision is reached.
“It is unfortunate that the governors have allowed themselves to be misled by Ude-Okoye’s backers, some of whom are under police investigation for allegedly forging PDP guidelines to manipulate the courts,” he stated.