The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party over the National Secretary position persists, as conflicting claims from Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye highlight deep divisions in the party.

Despite a court order to maintain the status quo, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared Ude-Okoye as the recognised National Secretary.

 Meanwhile, Anyanwu, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling, insists he retains the position until the Supreme Court resolves the matter.

The controversy stemmed from Anyanwu’s selection as the PDP governorship candidate for Imo State in 2023.

The party’s South-East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace him as National Secretary, arguing that Anyanwu should vacate the position following his gubernatorial candidacy.

On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court in Enugu affirmed Ude-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary, a decision officially communicated to the party on December 24.

 However, last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order, allowing Anyanwu to remain National Secretary until the Supreme Court resolves the appeal.

The hearing for a stay of execution motion, filed by PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, is set for January 27, 2025.

Confirming reports of division within the National Working Committee, Ologunagba supported Ude-Okoye’s appointment, referencing the Enugu judgment.

 In contrast, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi. upheld the Abuja court order, declaring Anyanwu as the rightful National Secretary.

In an exclusive interview, Anyanwu accused certain party members of exploiting outdated constitutional provisions to unseat him.

He said: “The issue is very clear. This started with the National Vice Chairman, South-South, who has now been removed by the court. He presided over a kangaroo meeting and misled the Enugu State Governor into believing I had violated the constitution.

“I obtained a Federal High Court judgment affirming my position and stating that my tenure remains valid until December 2025. Despite this, on December 20th, the Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye. We have since filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, and an interim stay of execution has been granted.”

Anyanwu called on party leaders to prioritize unity over personal ambitions, stating, “This crisis is driven by some individuals’ political ambitions for 2027. I remain committed to rallying the party and ensuring its survival.”

Ude-Okoye, however, dismissed claims of a stay of execution. In an interview, he asserted:

“There is no stay of execution from any court. The Appeal Court ruled that the status quo should be maintained. I assumed office on December 30th, 2024, and I am the National Secretary of the PDP.

“Some individuals are attempting to destabilize the party, but I remain focused on serving without hostility or destruction.”

Ologunagba reaffirmed Ude-Okoye’s position, stating, “The PDP is a party of law and order. The Enugu judgment has been complied with, and Honorable Ude-Okoye is the recognized National Secretary.

“There is no stay of execution. The status quo, as of now, is that Ude-Okoye remains the National Secretary.”

Attempts to reach PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeeen Ajibade (SAN), and acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for clarification were unsuccessful.