Security forces, including soldiers, police officers, and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have taken control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat following a leadership tussle between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the party’s National Secretary position.
Tensions flared when both men arrived at the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, with the situation escalating after an aide to Anyanwu forcefully removed Ude-Okoye from the gathering.
The confrontation quickly led to a heated altercation between their respective supporters before security operatives intervened to restore order.
The dispute over the National Secretary position has been ongoing since Anyanwu vacated the seat to contest the Imo State governorship election, which he lost.
In his absence, the PDP South East Caucus endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement. However, after failing in his gubernatorial bid, Anyanwu sought to reclaim the position, deepening the internal crisis within the party.
The situation was further complicated by a December 20, 2024, ruling by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which upheld an earlier High Court decision removing Anyanwu as National Secretary and affirming Ude-Okoye as the rightful officeholder.
In response, Anyanwu has filed an appeal and a Stay of Execution.
Meanwhile, PDP acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has nominated Dr. Musa (SAN) as the party’s legal representative, a move that has added another layer to the ongoing dispute.
With tensions running high, security agencies remain on high alert to prevent further unrest at the party’s headquarters.
