National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has affirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary following a Court of Appeal ruling.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NWC stated that it is bound by the judgment and has begun notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies of its resolution.
The decision was reached after the NWC extensively reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Acting National Chairman on February 11, 2025.
The committee examined the declaratory judgment of the High Court in Enugu, the ruling of the Court of Appeal, the legal opinions of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, and the PDP’s National Legal Adviser.
The NWC stated that there is no higher or superseding court order invalidating the ruling that confirmed Udeh-Okoye’s position.
The PDP has faced internal divisions since the 2023 elections, with tensions growing over the National Secretary position.
The crisis deepened when the South East leadership nominated Udeh-Okoye to replace Samuel Anyanwu, who vacated the role to contest the Imo State governorship election.
Despite the Court of Appeal ruling on December 20, 2024, in favour of Udeh-Okoye, disputes persisted within the party.
On January 28, Anyanwu’s supporters forcibly removed Udeh-Okoye from a Board of Trustees meeting, escalating the conflict.
On January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, endorsed the court’s ruling, officially recognising Udeh-Okoye.
However, Anyanwu rejected the decision and took further steps by petitioning the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal.
On February 6, the Acting National Chairman issued a memo to the PDP National Legal Adviser, seeking guidance on whether to act on the directive from the governors and the Board of Trustees.
Following a final review of the case, the BoT, under the leadership of former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, confirmed Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary.
The PDP NWC commended its members for their loyalty and respect for the rule of law, assuring them that the party remains committed to its constitution, stability, democracy, and national development.
