Party Shake-Up: PDP Abandons Anyanwu, Udeh-Okoye Takes Over As National Secretary

In a statement released by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision reinforced the principle that leadership matters within the party are strictly internal affairs.

According to the statement, the PDP had already appointed Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary through its internal processes, in accordance with the party’s constitution (as amended in 2017). The party maintained that the Supreme Court ruling does not alter this decision, as Udeh-Okoye had been lawfully nominated, endorsed, and ratified through the appropriate party organs and statutory bodies.

The statement further explained that the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had, during its 576th meeting on October 11, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Anyanwu following his selection as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the November 2023 Imo State election.

Subsequently, on October 20, 2023, the South East Zonal Executive Committee approved Udeh-Okoye’s nomination, which was later ratified by the NWC at its 577th meeting on November 7, 2023. His appointment was also endorsed by key party bodies, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the South East Zonal Caucus, before being officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public.

The PDP commended the Supreme Court for reaffirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy. The party called on all members to remain united and committed to strengthening the PDP as they move forward.