South-East PDP Re-Nominates Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, Threatens Exit

The South East Zonal Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially presented the re-nomination of Sunday Udeh-Okoye to the party’s acting National Working Committee (NWC) as the national secretary.

Background of the Nomination

As previously reported, the PDP leadership in the South-east region had unanimously renominated Mr Udeh-Okoye for the position during a meeting in Enugu on 14 May. The decision was communicated through a formal communique.

The regional leadership also issued a stern warning that they would consider leaving the PDP if the national leadership fails to approve their nominee for the national secretary position.

Ongoing Power Struggle

The position has been a subject of intense contention between Samuel Anyanwu, the substantive occupant, and Mr Ude-Okoye, with both claiming legitimacy as the authentic national secretary.

Presentation to NWC

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), who serves as the minority whip in the Senate, presented the South-east’s resolution to the PDP’s acting NWC in Abuja on Tuesday. He emphasized the region’s historical significance to the party and urged the leadership to consider their request favorably.

“We are asking you to look at a zone that has been the backdrop and backbone of the PDP. A zone that delivered all National Assembly members and governors to the PDP in the past,” Senator Ngwu stated.

NWC’s Response

Acting National Chairperson Umar Damagum, represented by Deputy National Chairperson (South) Taofeek Arapaja, acknowledged receipt of the nomination. He assured that the matter would be reviewed and recommendations made at the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 27 May.

Mr Damagum appealed for unity, stating: “PDP is the only party where you can feel peaceful, you can express your opinion. It’s just like that in any family. We can resolve it.”

Legal Background of the Dispute

The controversy stems from Mr Anyanwu’s decision to contest the Imo State governorship election in November 2023 without formally resigning as national secretary. Following his loss to APC’s Hope Uzodinma, the South-east PDP nominated Mr Ude-Okoye as replacement.

The matter has seen multiple court rulings:

• October 2023: Enugu High Court ordered PDP to replace Anyanwu with Ude-Okoye
• January 2024: Abuja Federal High Court declared Anyanwu as valid secretary
• December 2024: Enugu Court of Appeal upheld Ude-Okoye’s position
• March 2025: Supreme Court nullified both rulings, citing lack of jurisdiction

The Supreme Court’s decision that such matters constitute internal party affairs has left the final resolution in the hands of the PDP’s leadership.

Credit: Premium Times