According to Punch, the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as key governors, including Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State’s Bala Mohammed, have thrown their support behind Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary. This move signals a significant shift in the party’s power dynamics, particularly impacting the influence of former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
A reliable source within the PDP disclosed that governors who once aligned with Wike have now distanced themselves from him. “Governors like Makinde and Bala Mohammed are tired of Wike’s overbearing influence. They’ve realized the need to reclaim control of the party,” the source said.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During a strategic meeting in Asaba, Delta State, the PDP Governors Forum unanimously affirmed Ude-Okoye’s position as National Secretary, in line with the December 2024 Appeal Court ruling in Enugu. This decision was captured in a communiqué signed by Governor Bala Mohammed, which also urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by March 13.
“The Forum reaffirms its support for the Court of Appeal judgment and directs the NWC to take immediate steps for its full implementation,” the communiqué stated.
The leadership crisis in the PDP, which began before the 2023 general elections, escalated following disputes over the National Secretary role. The South East PDP had previously called for Senator Samuel Anyanwu to step down due to his governorship ambitions in Imo State, a move that further polarized the party.
Despite the Appeal Court’s ruling favoring Ude-Okoye, a conflicting order from the Abuja Court of Appeal on January 27, 2025, restrained the enforcement of that judgment, instructing Anyanwu to retain the position pending a Supreme Court decision. This legal tug-of-war culminated in chaos during a recent Board of Trustees meeting, where supporters of Anyanwu forcibly removed Ude-Okoye, necessitating security intervention.
Commenting on the governors’ decision, Ude-Okoye expressed gratitude, stating, “I deeply appreciate the confidence reposed in me. I am committed to serving the PDP with integrity and dedication. Our party will regain its strength and lead Nigeria to greater heights.”
Meanwhile, attempts to reach Anyanwu for comments were unsuccessful. However, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, welcomed the governors’ move, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the rule of law. “As a responsible party, we respect court judgments. The governors’ decision reflects our values and dedication to due process,” he said.
The unfolding events have exposed fractures within Wike’s former camp, with sources suggesting that the former G5 alliance is no longer cohesive. “This is a major blow to Wike’s influence. Losing the support of key governors and the National Secretary position signals a shift in PDP’s power structure,” a party insider revealed.
