Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to escalate as embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office, warning that such moves could lead to further violence at the party’s headquarters.
The crisis stems from a January 29 clash between Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, both claiming to be the party’s rightful National Secretary, during a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. The situation turned violent before security operatives intervened.
However, on Friday, governors elected under the PDP platform declared support for Ude-Okoye as the authentic National Secretary, citing the December 20, 2024, High Court of Appeal ruling in Enugu.
Reacting to the development, Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, describing the governors’ stance as “an invitation to chaos and an affront to the rule of law.”
“The police are therefore being alerted to the grave dangers that will ensue if the National Working Committee (NWC) attempts to implement the PDP Governors Forum’s advice,” Anyanwu warned.
“It will be an invitation to chaos, especially as the matter is still pending before the superior courts for determination. I remain the validly elected National Secretary until the court rules otherwise,” he added.
Anyanwu further revealed that an appeal has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the Enugu Court of Appeal judgment. He also referenced a January 13, 2025, Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja, which directed both parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive case.
Despite the legal battle, PDP governors in a communique issued in Asaba on Friday advised the NWC to implement the Enugu Court of Appeal judgment that favored Ude-Okoye.
Anyanwu criticized the governors for allegedly aligning with sponsors of Ude-Okoye, whom he claimed misled the courts using forged PDP guidelines and are under criminal investigation.
With the PDP’s internal conflict deepening, the party risks further instability as legal and political battles intensify.