Tension reportedly gripped the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday as police officers were deployed in the location amid a looming clash between two contenders for the position of National Secretary — Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The Court of Appeal had recently affirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, a ruling that Anyanwu has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Both men arrived at the PDP secretariat, each claiming authority over the office, setting the stage for a dramatic standoff.
Supporters of both figures gathered on the premises, chanting slogans and creating a charged atmosphere.
Anyanwu, who drove in with a convoy of loyalists, went straight to the National Secretary’s office.
Inside, he led a prayer session before addressing journalists.
Responding to questions about the court ruling, Anyanwu maintained that his appeal to the Supreme Court put the matter on hold, emphasizing that the party must await the final verdict.
He dismissed last week’s press briefing by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, which recognized the national secretaryship of Ude-Okoye, as a personal opinion, not an official position.
The leadership crisis stems from Anyanwu’s decision to contest the Imo State governorship election while still holding his party position.
His absence led to some stakeholders appointing Ude-Okoye, a move later ratified by the Court of Appeal.
However, Anyanwu has filed a stay of execution and appealed the ruling.
With both men refusing to back down, the situation has deepened the internal strife within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Party insiders expressed fears that the conflict could further destabilize the PDP, which has been grappling with leadership challenges since the 2023 elections.
Some legal experts,as reported by GWG, had supported Anyanwu citing section 47(5) of the PDP Constitution which gave him the leeway to contest without resigning and the fact that his appeal has yet to be determined by the Supreme Court.
(With additional information from GWG & Channels TV]
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