PDP Focuses on Strengthening Unity Despite Dispute Over National Secretary

The internal conflict has intensified following a Court of Appeal ruling in Enugu that removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu and confirmed former National Youth Leader, Sunday Okoye, as the substantive National Secretary.

A senior NWC member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed to Punch that the ruling has created a deep divide within the party leadership.

While Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature are reportedly hesitant about the judgment, other NWC members, including the PDP Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, are pushing for the ruling to be enforced.

The ruling followed a prolonged dispute after the South East PDP nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who went on to become the party’s governorship candidate for the Imo State election.

Conflicting court rulings have made the matter more complex, but the Appeal Court’s decision has been upheld, leaving party insiders pointing fingers at Damagum for attempting to use Anyanwu’s support to maintain his position during the NWC’s factional struggles.

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reiterated the party’s commitment to respecting the court’s decision. “The PDP is a law-abiding party. We will adhere to the judgment in the interest of justice and party unity,” he emphasized.

However, Damagum’s efforts to appeal the judgment have raised concerns that factional interests may be taking precedence over unity. Some NWC members, such as the National Legal Adviser, Ologunagba, and other key officials, are advocating for Anyanwu’s removal and support for Okoye as the PDP National Secretary.

The recent developments have sparked renewed fear and division within the party, with political leaders and governors backing different sides. Okoye has maintained that, according to the Enugu Appeal Court ruling, he is the legitimate National Secretary, a position supported by key party figures.