PDP Leadership Crisis: Wike Camp Petitions Supreme Court Ahead of BoT Meeting
The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has formally petitioned the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing on the ongoing legal battle over the party’s National Secretary position.
A letter dated January 29, 2025, and obtained by our correspondent, revealed Anyanwu’s appeal to the Supreme Court in Abuja, citing the critical role of the National Secretary in the party’s administration. His plea underscores the importance of resolving the leadership dispute swiftly, as the PDP grapples with persistent internal divisions.
Background to the Dispute
The crisis dates back to 2023 when the PDP’s South-East zone nominated Sunday Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu after he contested the Imo State governorship election. On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, but a subsequent ruling from the Court of Appeal in Abuja on January 27, 2025, issued a restraining order, allowing Anyanwu to remain in office pending the Supreme Court’s final verdict.
Legal Battle Intensifies
Anyanwu confirmed his request for an accelerated hearing, emphasizing his commitment to the unity and stability of the PDP. His legal team argued that the ongoing dispute is negatively impacting party operations and the wider political landscape.
“The office of the National Secretary is pivotal in PDP’s administration. The contention over this position is detrimental to party members and the polity,” the legal document stated.
His petition, titled Motion on Notice, seeks the Supreme Court’s intervention to abridge the time frame for legal responses, ensuring a swift resolution of the appeal.
Board of Trustees Convenes Emergency Meeting
Amid the escalating tensions, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has scheduled an emergency meeting in Abuja today to assess the ongoing crisis and deliberate on recent developments regarding the National Secretary position. Sources within the party disclosed that the meeting, initially set to take place at the PDP National Headquarters, was relocated to Transcorp Hilton due to security concerns.
A senior PDP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the BoT will review a report from the committee led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN. The committee has been tasked with examining the implications of the leadership tussle and recommending a path forward.
Factional Tensions Escalate
The PDP has faced intense internal divisions since the 2023 general elections, exacerbating governance challenges. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has come under fire from party members who accuse him of failing to implement necessary reforms.
The recent legal developments have further polarized party leaders. PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, have distanced themselves from Anyanwu, endorsing Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary. Their endorsement followed a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, reinforcing the factional divide.
The power struggle took a dramatic turn last Wednesday when Anyanwu’s supporters forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from a Board of Trustees meeting, prompting security operatives to intervene.
Ongoing Dispute and Next Steps
Despite mounting opposition, Anyanwu remains defiant, insisting on his legitimacy as National Secretary. He reported for duty at the PDP National Headquarters on Monday, assuming his administrative responsibilities amid the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the BoT has reportedly instructed both Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye to stay away from today’s emergency meeting until the party’s leadership crisis is resolved.
In response to the developments, Ude-Okoye reiterated his commitment to party unity, stating, “The BoT has asked both of us to refrain from attending meetings until all issues are reviewed and settled. I will respect that decision.”
As the PDP navigates this turbulent period, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court, whose ruling will ultimately determine the fate of the party’s leadership and set a precedent for resolving future internal conflicts.
Reference
PDP Leadership Crisis: Wike Camp Petitions Supreme Court Ahead of BoT Meeting