The power struggle over the office of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new twist yesterday as Senator Samuel Anyanwu arrived at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja, and resumed office despite an ongoing legal battle.
Anyanwu, one of the two claimants to the position, made a quiet entrance through the service gate of the party headquarters, exchanged pleasantries with staff, and proceeded to his office—signaling his determination to hold on to the role despite opposition from the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Legal Battle and Political Intrigues
This development comes just 48 hours after Anyanwu petitioned security agencies, alleging that 12 PDP governors were plotting to forcibly remove him and cause chaos within the party.
The Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors’ Forum had, during their meeting in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, declared their support for Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary based on an Appeal Court judgment. However, Anyanwu countered this position, arguing that he has a valid stay of execution order allowing him to remain in office until the Supreme Court rules on the case.
Ude-Okoye’s Camp Reacts
While Anyanwu resumed at the Secretariat, Ude-Okoye did not show up. A member of his camp, speaking anonymously, said they deliberately avoided a confrontation, accusing Anyanwu of trying to create a false narrative.
“We know Anyanwu’s game plan. He wants a confrontation to give the impression that Ude-Okoye is violent. We will not give him that pleasure,” the source said.
The source further noted that Ambassador Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to act on the PDP Governors’ Forum’s advice and take steps to formally reinstate Ude-Okoye through due process.
Tension at the PDP Secretariat
Despite the ongoing leadership dispute, activities at the PDP National Secretariat remained business as usual, with staff going about their normal duties. Policemen stationed at the complex continued their routine security operations, ensuring there was no disruption.
With Anyanwu firmly holding his ground and Ude-Okoye awaiting official reinstatement, the battle for the PDP National Secretary position is far from over. The final resolution now hinges on the Supreme Court’s verdict and the National Working Committee’s next move, which could determine the party’s future leadership direction.
