Tensions escalated at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat as security forces took control of the premises following a heated clash between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the party’s National Secretary position.
The situation turned chaotic when both men arrived for a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. An aide to Anyanwu forcibly ejected Ude-Okoye from the closed-door session, leading to an altercation between their supporters before security personnel intervened.
To restore order, soldiers, policemen, and operatives from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were deployed, taking command of the secretariat.
The dispute over the PDP National Secretary position has been brewing since Anyanwu vacated the role to contest the Imo State governorship election, which he lost. In his absence, the South East Caucus of the PDP endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement.
However, following his election loss, Anyanwu attempted to reclaim his position, plunging the party into deeper crisis. The situation escalated after an Appeal Court in Enugu upheld a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which removed Anyanwu and affirmed Ude-Okoye as the rightful PDP National Secretary.
Refusing to back down, Anyanwu has filed for a Stay of Execution and Appeal, further complicating the party’s leadership dispute. The nomination of Dr. Musa (SAN) as the PDP’s legal counsel by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has also contributed to the growing division within the party.
As the PDP struggles with this internal crisis, the presence of security forces at its headquarters highlights the deepening rift, leaving the party at a crossroads in resolving its leadership challenges.
