The relative calm within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been disrupted following the Court of Appeal’s recent judgment, which declared Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary, replacing Samuel Anyanwu.
While Anyanwu is reportedly in Imo State for the holidays, Ude-Okoye has taken proactive steps to assert his position. Over the weekend, he led a delegation of NWC members to visit three state governors—Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa.
However, the trips were reportedly undertaken without the endorsement of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, further highlighting divisions within the party.
A source disclosed to The Nation that the pro-Atiku forces bent on shoving aside Anyanwu, were behind Ude-Okoye’s action.
Makinde justified his reception of Ude-Okoye by citing his commitment to the rule of law, referencing the court judgment affirming Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary.
Addressing reporters in Ibadan, he emphasized that adherence to the rule of law is essential for resolving the party’s ongoing leadership challenges.
Makinde also reiterated the importance of unity within the PDP to present a viable alternative for good governance.
He said: “There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary.
“My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law.
“This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we would stay on the side of the law.
“We deliberated a little bit on what are the things ahead of us; 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for us as a party.
“Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to get its acts together. You can see how united the members of the NWC of our party are. There is no faction and this will give a headache to some people.
“This is the beginning of a lot of good things to come in terms of party administration and commitment. I heard good things from these leaders; things that I was not even thinking deeply about.
“One of them said to us that there should not be any sacrifice that would be too big to make in the interest of our party and the interest of Nigerians.
“Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises.
“So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.”
With Ude-Okoye on the trip to Ibadan were: Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Legal Adviser; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP Northeast and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.
They expressed their commitment to repositioning the party and fostering unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Naija News reports that during his visit, Ude-Okoye conveyed condolences to Governor Makinde over the recent stampede tragedy in the state, pledging to strengthen the PDP as the leading opposition party.
He expressed optimism that the PDP would reclaim power in 2027 by providing Nigerians with the governance they deserve.
In Bayelsa, Governor Diri urged PDP leaders to work together to strengthen the party, emphasizing that unity and consensus are crucial to resolving internal disputes. He warned against political actions that could weaken the party, stressing the need for loyalty and integrity among members.
Similarly, during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed in Bauchi, the NWC members called on the PDP Governors’ Forum to take a more active role in stabilizing the party. They underscored Mohammed’s pivotal role in fostering unity and collaboration within the party, which they believe is essential for achieving the PDP’s objectives.