Uncertainty In PDP Leadership: Anyanwu’s Supreme Court Appeal Raises Political Tension

The apex court has set March 10 for the hearing, following Anyanwu’s request for an expedited process. His case has drawn significant attention, particularly from PDP members in the South East, who are eager to see how the verdict will impact the party’s leadership.

Amid the legal battle, the PDP has postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from March 13 to May 15.

This development follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, on December 20, 2024, which upheld an earlier judgment by an Enugu State High Court declaring former PDP National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, as the rightful National Secretary.

Ude-Okoye was nominated to replace Anyanwu after the latter emerged as the party’s candidate in the 2023 Imo governorship election.

Deepening Crisis in PDP Leadership

The Appeal Court’s decision has further split the PDP, with Anyanwu insisting he remains the National Secretary, despite recognition of Ude-Okoye by key party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the National Working Committee (NWC).

This leadership struggle has disrupted operations at the PDP National Secretariat since January 2025, escalating the party’s crisis, particularly in the South East. The turmoil has already resulted in the suspension of BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, by the Abia State chapter of the party.

South East PDP Members Mobilize in Abuja

A PDP member from the South East revealed to The Sun Newspaper that supporters of both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye have mobilized to Abuja, intensifying their lobbying efforts ahead of the Supreme Court hearing.

“Party members, especially supporters of Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, are on edge over the Supreme Court case. No one can predict the outcome, but whichever way the ruling goes, it will have significant consequences for the party’s leadership,” the source stated.