The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing heightened internal tensions as a dispute over the position of National Secretary threatens to further divide the party. Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the PDP’s internal crisis, while dismissing rumours that aggrieved members in the South-East would defect to the ruling party.
Speaking on Arise TV, Udenwa said the APC was fueling the discord by influencing individuals within the PDP, though he stressed that the South-East caucus remained committed to the party. He also maintained that the PDP is still the most viable political platform in Nigeria, despite ongoing challenges.
The South-East PDP caucus has continued to push for Sunday Ude-Okoye to be recognised as the party’s National Secretary. They argue that Senator Samuel Anyanwu vacated the position when he contested the 2023 Imo State governorship. Udenwa revealed that the zone has nominated Ude-Okoye three times, only to have their proposals rejected.
“If our presentation is being turned down, it means nobody wants us to make a presentation again,” Udenwa said, warning that the caucus’s position must not be dismissed lightly. He emphasised that the caucus is an institutional part of the party and its decisions should carry weight.
Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Senator Anyanwu insists that he remains the legitimate National Secretary, citing a Supreme Court judgment and a Federal High Court ruling that recognised his status. They also contend that Ali Odefa, leader of the opposing caucus, is no longer a PDP member following his expulsion in January, a position supported by a court ruling.
The PDP leadership has tried to mediate the crisis. At a meeting in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, through his deputy, Taofeek Arapaja, urged the South-East caucus to reconsider its threat to leave the party. He assured them that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) would present the caucus’s resolution to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
“I know you are not happy, and I understand why,” Arapaja said, calling for patience and dialogue. He likened the situation to a landlord fleeing his own house because of a leak, stressing the need to fix the issues from within.
Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu, who submitted the resolution on behalf of the South-East caucus, reiterated that Sunday Ude-Okoye was their unanimous choice for National Secretary. However, Anyanwu’s camp remains defiant, arguing that attempts to override his legal position would only lead to further instability, especially as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises his authority.
Former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has also intervened, urging the South-East leaders to allow Senator Anyanwu to complete his tenure, which ends in December. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, he called on party members to maintain unity and support the reconciliation efforts led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
“Even in its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most parties in the country,” Ikpeazu said, appealing for calm and discipline.
In a related development, the PDP Senate caucus, led by Minority Leader Abba Moro, expressed support for Saraki’s reconciliation committee and called for any political coalitions to be initiated by parties rather than individuals. The caucus stated that while party crises are not exclusive to the PDP, the party remains committed to unity and revitalisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, PDP Board of Trustees member Ugochukwu Taiwo Okeke has argued that the party’s survival hinges on zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. He criticised discussions around a possible third Atiku Abubakar candidacy, describing it as a backward step for a party trying to recover.
“It’s time to show leadership, not recycle failed ambitions,” Okeke said, stressing the importance of equity, competence, and national harmony.
Despite the current crisis, multiple voices within the PDP continue to express optimism that the party can resolve its internal disputes and emerge stronger in the build-up to the next general elections.
