- Senator Samuel Anyanwu vows to resist attempts to remove him as PDP National Secretary, citing ongoing legal battles over the position
- PDP governors declare support for Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary, urging the NWC to implement a court ruling favoring his nomination
Tensions continue to rise within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, vows to resist any attempt to remove him from office.
On January 29, a confrontation erupted at the party’s headquarters when Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, claiming the National Secretary position, attempted to attend a Board of Trustees meeting. Security operatives had to intervene to restore order.
However, PDP governors declared support for Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary on Friday, citing the December 20, 2024, verdict of the High Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.
In response, Anyanwu petitioned Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, warning that the governors’ stance was “an invitation to chaos and an affront to the rule of law.”
He stated, “The police must be aware of the grave dangers posed by the National Working Committee’s (NWC) attempt to implement the advice of the PDP Governors Forum, as outlined in paragraph 3 of their communique.
“It will be an invitation to chaos and a direct challenge to the judiciary and the rule of law, especially since the matter is still pending before the superior courts for determination.
“I urge you to take necessary steps to prevent the crisis being instigated by the PDP Governors and the sponsors of Ude-Okoye. The NWC must refrain from any actions contrary to the court’s position. As a lawful citizen, I can seek justice against a judgment fraudulently obtained against me.
“For the sake of peace and the safety of innocent Nigerians, all parties involved should adhere to the rule of law and the Court of Appeal’s decision to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the motion is heard and determined.
“Anything contrary to this will be strongly resisted. I remain the validly elected National Secretary of PDP until the court rules otherwise.”
In their communique issued on Friday in Asaba, the PDP Governors Forum urged the NWC to implement the Enugu Court of Appeal judgment, which upheld Ude-Okoye’s nomination as National Secretary.
Anyanwu, however, maintained that an appeal had already been filed at the Supreme Court against the ruling.
He added, “The Court of Appeal in Abuja granted an order on January 13, 2025, clearly directing both parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.
“It is unfortunate that the governors have allowed themselves to be misled by the sponsors of Ude-Okoye, who are already under police investigation for forging PDP Guidelines to manipulate the courts and obtain these flawed judgments.”
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