From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has affirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the party, effectively sidelining Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The PDP Governors’ Forum and the party’s Board of Trustees had directed the NWC to comply with the Appeal Court ruling that sacked Anyanwu and recognized Udeh-Okoye as the authentic National Secretary.
The legal battle took a complex turn after the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal declared Udeh-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
However, the Abuja Division of the same appellate court countered the ruling, issuing a stay of execution and directing both parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending an appeal purportedly filed by Anyanwu at the Supreme Court.
Following an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the NWC resolved to uphold the Enugu Appeal Court’s decision, formally recognizing Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.
The decision came after extensive deliberations on a memo dated February 11, 2025, submitted by PDP Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagun.
The committee also reviewed supporting legal documents, including the Enugu High Court’s declaratory judgment, the Court of Appeal ruling, and legal opinions from Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN, and the PDP’s National Legal Adviser.
In a statement issued by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasised that its decision was in full compliance with the Court of Appeal judgment, noting that no superior court had issued a contrary ruling.
“The NWC overwhelmingly recognizes, acknowledges, and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full compliance with and obedience to the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, recognizing that there is no subsisting or superseding Judgment or Order from any Court of superior authority or hierarchy,” the statement read.
Ologunagba further disclosed that the NWC has begun transmitting its resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies for formal recognition.
He commended party stakeholders for their commitment to the rule of law and reassured members that the NWC remains guided by the party’s constitution, operational guidelines, and the founding vision of the PDP for democratic stability and national development.
