Politics
PDP secretary: Wike camp fights back kicks as BoT backs Govs
As the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party persists, the embattled Senator Samuel Anyanwu has lambasted the Board of Trustees for affirming former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.
Anyanwu, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, dismissed the BoT’s affirmation of Ude-Okoye, stating that most of the board’s members tenure elapsed since last October.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Chairman of the BoT and former Senate President, Adulphus Wabara, stated that after reviewing the community report of Tanimu Turaki, the trustees confirmed the former National Youth Leader as the party’s secretary in accordance with the Appeal Court’s ruling.
PDP has been grappling with significant internal issues, both before and after the 2023 general elections. These struggles have contributed to ongoing instability within the party, leading to deep divisions among its members.
Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, has faced increasing criticisms from party members. Many have held him responsible for the party’s continued difficulties, especially after he succeeded Iyorchia Ayu.
The crisis within the PDP has been further complicated by a disagreement over the National Secretary position. In 2023, the South East zone of the party nominated the former National Youth Leader to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s candidate for the Imo State governorship election. This nomination sparked further conflict within the party, with factions demanding Anyanwu stepped down due to his new political commitments.
On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, confirming him as the new National Secretary. This decision was communicated to the party leadership on December 24. However, the leadership crisis did not end there, as tensions continued to rise within the party over the issue of the National Secretary position.
Tensions escalated on January 28, when supporters of Anyanwu forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from a BoT meeting, prompting security forces to intervene and restore order. In response to this, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, endorsed the Court of Appeal’s decision and urged the National Working Committee to implement the ruling.
The governors also distanced themselves from Anyanwu, confirming Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary during a recent meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu, in his petition to the Inspector-General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court on February 1, insisted that he remained the rightful PDP National Secretary. He described the endorsement of Ude-Okoye by the party’s governors as an act that would exacerbate the crisis and called for their intervention in the matter.
However, Wabara insisted the BoT’s decision was made after thoroughly reviewing all the issues and documents provided by Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu.
The BoT chairman, who read the communiqué, stated, “The Board of Trustees asserts its position as a prominent ORGAN of the PDP as enshrined under Section 13 (1) (r) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)
“The BoT also asserts its inherent authority under Section 32 (5) (a) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) which empowers it to ensure highest standards of morality in all the activities of the party by acting as the conscience of the party, with powers to call to order any officer of the party, whose conduct falls below the norms.
“The BoT in exercise of its constitutional powers received, exhaustively considered and hereby adopt the report of its committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP especially with regard to the declarative judgment of the High Court of Enugu as upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“Consequently, the BoT, by adopting the report, recognises Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full obedience to the declaratory Judgment of the High Court of Enugu as also upheld by the Court of Appeal there being no contrary or overriding judgment from any Court of superior jurisdiction.”
He stated that the BoT was pleased with the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum and the NWC in successfully setting Thursday, March 13th, 2025 as the date for the highly anticipated National Executive Committee meeting.
The communiqué read in part, “The BoT charges the National Working Committee (NWC) to recognise and immediately swear in Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP in obedience to the Judgment of the Court of Appeal.
“The BoT urges all party organs, critical stakeholders, leaders and members across the country as well as all democracy development partners and institutions to be guided by the judgment of the Court of Appeal with regard to the position of the National Secretary of the PDP.
“The BoT commends the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, South East Executive Committee and all other organs of the Party for their steadfastness in upholding the provisions of the Constitution and operational Guidelines of the PDP.
“The BoT expresses satisfaction with the PDP Governors’ Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC) for their concerted efforts in finally setting Thursday, March 13th, 2025 as the date for the much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of our Party especially bearing in mind that the NEC meeting is the platform for critical deliberations that will shape the future of our party and by extension, the future of Nigeria.”
A reliable source, who attended the BoT meeting but spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, stated that the Trustees endorsed Ude-Okoye based on the judgment and the expiration of Anyanwu’s temporary stay of execution.
He stated, “Turaki briefed the BoT members, and we unanimously affirmed Ude-Okoye. This is because the Appeal Court’s Enugu judgment is a declarative judgment that cannot be stayed.
“The second reason is that the purported stay of execution Anyanwu said he has was a temporary stay and not indefinite. It expired on January 27th. That was the day the motion for stay was supposed to be considered, but the matter did not come up, so the stay elapsed because it is time-bound.”
In response, Anyanwu, who described the BoT’s backing of Ude-Okoye as “unfortunate”, stated that he was still the National Secretary, as confirmed by the stay of execution granted by the Appeal Court, Division.
He stated, “The BoT position is unfortunate, especially when there is a stay of execution on the matter. Let’s talk about the BoT, 80 per cent of the members’ tenures expired in October 2024. Most states have already nominated their replacements, so they are just there for nothing. Whatever they say is not binding, and it is not the position of the law.
Similarly, a member of the PDP NWC, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, along with a NEC member and the former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, called on Anyanwu to step down and allow Ude-Okoye take over as National Secretary.
On the other hand, other NEC members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, have supported Anyanwu remaining as the party’s scribe, while former National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi proposed that the Governors’ Forum and BoT arrange a meeting with Anyanwu to discuss their position with him.
The source disclosed that most NWC members were already opposed to the unnecessary crisis surrounding the National Secretary seat and wanted it resolved immediately.
He stated, “Most members of the NWC are not happy that this crisis over the National Secretary has degenerated to this level. Most of them want it resolved now.
“The right thing to do is for Anyanwu to step aside and pursue his case in the Supreme Court. The BoT, Governors and other leaders of the party have spoken, so he should, in the interest of peace, step aside and allow the NWC to implement the judgment freely. If he fails to do so, with the judgment and the position of the Governors and BoT, then the crisis will continue to affect the party.”
Ologbondiyan urged Anyanwu to step aside if his actions were truly in the best interest of the party.
He stated “I think Senator Anyanwu should just accept the verdict and wishes of the party leaders unless there is something else in this matter.
“This is in the interest of the party. And the organs of the party are saying that you should go and prosecute the youth matter in the Supreme Court. So, Anyanwu should obey the court and the party leaders. When he wins the matter at the Supreme Court, he should bring it to the party.
“Plotting to remain as National Secretary despite the court judgment and the position of our leaders will set a very wrong precedent, and it will be unfortunate for our party.
“So, the BoT is the conscience of the party, and the Governors’ Forum, as the most influential organ of the party, has spoken. So, Anyanwu should obey.
“If what Anyanwu is fighting for is really in the interest of the party, I don’t think his actions should continue to hurt the party. So, I don’t foresee a situation where this will continue.”
Taking a different stance, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Osadolor stated that Anyanwu should remain the National Secretary until the Supreme Court ruled otherwise.
He stated, “These are old men who are always biased. You see, the BoT should naturally be the conscience of the party and should not be seen taking sides. But that is not so with this Wabara-led BoT.
“They met in a hotel. I don’t know who’s the influencer, who’s the guardian, and issued their proclamations that they know are null and void. At the end of the day, instead of looking at how to best assuage and solve the problems that beset the party, the BoT, led by Senator Wabara, is further compounding the issues.
“And it’s a misnomer. When elders, who should ordinarily play the role of elders, are not playing the role and are not stepping into the arena, what do you expect? It’s unfortunate. Is Wabara not aware that once there is a stay of execution, or once there is a filing of a case at the Supreme Court, it automatically stays the judgment of the lower court?
“An elder should behave like an elder. It is unfortunate when he cannot behave like an elder. This is beyond emotions and party affiliation. It is an issue of legality now. The issue is in the Supreme Court. For the BoT chairman to be discussing the issue is subjudice and is an aberration. He should apologise.
“I may not like Senator Anyanwu, I may hate Senator Anyanwu, but does that change the fact of what the law of the land says? So, Anyanwu should continue in his capacity as secretary of PDP. The law says he can continue because there is a stay already.
“It is the law. We must learn to follow the law. Whether it pleases me or it pleases you, let the law remain sacrosanct. Nobody should be bigger than the law. We should not take sides with the law when it’s favourable or choose to take sides with the law when it’s not favourable.”
Odeyemi, on his part, urged the PDP governors and BoT to invite Anyanwu to a meeting to clarify their position.
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary stated that this approach would help resolve the issues and foster lasting peace within the party.
He stated, “May God help PDP. If, in the wisdom of the BoT and Governors’ Forum, it is believed that endorsing Ude-Okoye will help achieve peace in PDP, may God help us.
“I think both the BoT and Governors’ Forum consist of eminent personalities who are very knowledgeable in the constitution of Nigeria and that of the PDP. They must have their reasons for endorsing Ude-Okoye as secretary. If the endorsement of Ude-Okoye will bring peace to PDP, then so be it.
“Anyanwu said he has gone to the Supreme Court. I think the BoT and the Governors’ Forum can do more by calling him and having a meeting with him so that peace can be fully achieved.”
Politics
Breaking: Court of Appeal Sets Aside Judgement Ordering Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Parties
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision on Tuesday, declared the judgement ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties “null and void.”
Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered INEC to deregister the parties over their performance in the 2023 general elections.
Dissatisfied with the decision, the affected political parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — approached the Court of Appeal seeking to nullify the Federal High Court judgement.
However, the three-member panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the trial court lacked the judicial power to entertain the case in the first place.
The Court of Appeal also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding with the delivery of the judgement despite an order by the appellate court directing a stay of proceedings, which included the delivery of the judgement.
The appellate court described the Federal High Court’s decision as “a nullity,” stating that the action of the trial court amounted to “judicial impertinence” or what the Supreme Court had described as “judicial insubordination.”
The court further held that the first respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the action in the first place, and consequently set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court.
“The evidence before the court clearly shows compliance with Section 225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The judgement of the trial judge was perverse,” the Court of Appeal held.
The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to focus on ensuring the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
In a statement on Sunday in Enugu, Okechukwu noted that credible elections remained the strongest antidote to intra-party impunity.
He was responding to the INEC Chairman’s recent call on political parties to adhere strictly to principles of internal democracy during a courtesy visit to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger.
According to Okechukwu, the INEC Chairman has consistently emphasised the issue of internal democracy, having made similar remarks in Akwa Ibom in March 2026 and again in Abuja in June 2026.
He said, “Whereas one agrees with the Chairman that strict observance of internal democracy within political parties is of paramount importance.
“However, the greatest incentive for political parties to uphold internal democracy is the consistent conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections by INEC.”
He argued that political scientists had long maintained that political parties were more likely to respect democratic principles and popular will when electoral processes are credible and transparent.
“Political party leaders will do everything within the ambit of the law to keep their houses in order and present the most acceptable and popular candidates when they are confident that elections will be free and fair.
“In such circumstances, they are compelled to obey the wishes of the electorate. However, when elections are perceived as lacking transparency, internal party conflicts and impunity are more likely to thrive,” he said.
Okechukwu also dismissed the allegation of other political parties feelings that INEC is the handgun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC chieftain said that APC needed free and fair elections as core patriots who are committed to the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall progress of every Nigerian.
“I dismiss the handgun allegation, as APC needs free and fair elections,not only for legitimacy with our 31 state governors, but for the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall good governance,” he said.
He maintained that the APC remained a formidable political force and that credible elections would ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and political parties alike.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, says Buhari didn’t publicly back Tinubu in the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary due to religious and ethical concerns.
In an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal revealed that Buhari was initially hesitant to back Tinubu due to religious and ethical considerations regarding his suitability as a successor.
Lawal claimed that, however, after extensive discussions, the late president agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to decide the candidate at the convention.
According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a critical role in previous APC election campaigns by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.
“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.
“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.
“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.
“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.
Lawal added that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any aspirant and allow party delegates to choose the candidate.
“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.
“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.
“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it.”
Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he allowed him to manage the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate.
“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.“I say, are you God now, sir?
“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”
Lawal said he responded that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still decide the outcome of the presidential election.
“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.
“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”
He added that Buhari also expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected president.
“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?
“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him.
“He said, ‘Okay, deal.’”
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose a candidate they believed could advance the party’s ideals but stopped short of publicly endorsing any of the aspirants, despite intense lobbying by contenders, including Tinubu.
Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, went on to defeat other leading aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to clinch the APC presidential ticket.
He later won the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as president on May 29, 2023.
Politics
Enugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation
The Enugu State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee (SWC), reaffirming its confidence in the current leadership and warning individuals allegedly plotting to destabilise the party to desist.
The resolution was reached on Saturday during an expanded meeting of the state working committee, party stakeholders, candidates and members, who commended the state executive for its leadership, commitment and efforts at repositioning the NDC in Enugu State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the party in Isiuzo Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Ogbu, said the current state leadership had transformed the fortunes of the party in Enugu.
“This is the only leadership of the party that emerged through a valid congress monitored by INEC, and any attempt by Enugu politicians spending dollars in Abuja to destabilise the party will be firmly resisted”.
“Without the current leadership, nobody would be hearing about the NDC in Enugu State today. The Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive has given the party life and made it attractive through its programmes and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
Corroborating his position, the Igboeze North Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon. Kingsley Ape and his Aninri counterpart, Hon. Stephen Ajah, stated that the achievements of the present leadership had positioned the party to participate effectively in the forthcoming local government elections.
According to them, without the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive, the NDC would not have been on the ballot for the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State.
The party leaders declared that they remain firmly behind Dr. Anih and his executive, insisting that the State Working Committee enjoys the overwhelming confidence and support of the party’s grassroots structure across the 17 local government areas of the state.
They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership could trigger a mass exodus of members from the party in Enugu State.
The stakeholders also cautioned individuals allegedly fomenting crisis within the party, urging them to steer clear of activities capable of undermining the unity, stability and progress of the NDC.
According to them, any attempt to create parallel party structures or sow discord among members would be firmly resisted in the interest of preserving the party’s cohesion ahead of future political engagements.
The members equally expressed concern over what they described as the actions of the party’s national leadership, alleging that recent developments could further deepen internal disagreements if not handled with fairness and respect for due process.
They urged the national leadership to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the party, stressing that internal disputes should be resolved in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the stakeholders called on members across the state to remain united, focused and committed to building a stronger political platform.
They pledged their continued support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee and maintained that the Enugu chapter would continue to protect the integrity of the party while working tirelessly to advance its political objectives in the state.
Kwankwaso disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, saying the agreement was aimed at ensuring power returns to the North after a single four-year tenure in line with the party’s power-sharing arrangement.
The former Kano State governor said he had no reason to doubt Obi’s commitment to honouring the agreement.
“Oh yes, I personally believe him. I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, that he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen,” he said.
Asked whether the understanding had been documented, Kwankwaso replied that both the party and the two candidates signed separate agreements.
“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us,” he said.
Explaining the substance of the agreement, Kwankwaso said it provides for a single four-year tenure for Obi before the presidency returns to the North.
“The agreement is what you said, that for four years, we will work together, team together as a group, party, friends and brothers so that after his term of four years (2027-2031), it comes back to the North. That is the general agreement.”
“Together we felt that the presidency should go to the South for four years; thereafter it will come back to the North.
“We believe that should be the consensus of everybody in this country so that we can move together as a family, both North and South,” he said.
On whether he intends to contest the presidency in 2031, Kwankwaso said the party remained focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.
“We have a short-term plan which we are executing now and, of course, we also have our medium and long-term plans for the country, and that is what we are working on now,” he said.
Obi had in May announced that he would serve only one term if elected president, saying the decision was intended to promote political stability and strengthen national unity.
“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” Obi had said.
The NDC has consistently defended its power-sharing arrangement, presenting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a consensus aimed at balancing the country’s regional interests ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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