Security operatives, including soldiers, police officers, and personnel of the National Security and Civil Defense Corps, have taken over the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a clash between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the position of National Secretary.
The conflict escalated during a scheduled Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting when both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye arrived at the venue. Reports indicate that an aide to Anyanwu forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from the meeting shortly after a closed-door session began. This led to an altercation between supporters of the two camps, prompting the intervention of security operatives to restore order.
The position of PDP National Secretary has been a source of contention since Anyanwu vacated the role to contest the Imo State governorship election, a bid he ultimately lost. In his absence, the South East Caucus of the party endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement. Efforts by Anyanwu to reclaim the seat after his gubernatorial defeat have deepened divisions within the party.
On December 20, 2024, an Appeal Court sitting in Enugu upheld a prior High Court ruling that removed Anyanwu from the position and affirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary. However, Anyanwu has filed for a Stay of Execution and an appeal, with Dr Musa (SAN) nominated as the party’s legal counsel by Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, further intensifying the impasse.
The ongoing leadership tussle continues to fuel internal crises within the PDP, with stakeholders calling for a resolution to stabilize the party ahead of future elections.