The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as state governors, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, move to consolidate control, distancing themselves from the influence of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A top PDP source revealed to Saturday PUNCH that governors previously aligned with Wike are now collaborating with others to diminish his grip on the party’s leadership. The latest development saw the PDP Governors Forum endorsing former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, sidelining Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a key Wike ally.
Governors Affirm Ude-Okoye as National Secretary
The governors, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, met in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, where they reaffirmed Ude-Okoye’s position as National Secretary in line with the December 2024 Appeal Court ruling in Enugu.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by Mohammed, the governors also directed the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by March 13.
The party has been embroiled in leadership disputes both before and after the 2023 general elections, with Damagum facing criticism for failing to stabilize the party. His predecessor, Iyorchia Ayu, was removed by the court for failing to implement key reforms.
Court Battles and Party Infighting
The conflict over the National Secretary position escalated after the PDP’s South East zone demanded Anyanwu’s resignation following his candidacy in the 2023 Imo State governorship election. On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, officially notifying the party leadership on December 24.
However, on January 27, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order allowing Anyanwu to retain the position pending a Supreme Court ruling. Tensions peaked during the PDP Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday when Anyanwu’s supporters forcibly removed Ude-Okoye, prompting security intervention.
In response, the governors reiterated their support for the Appeal Court’s ruling and urged the NWC to implement it. The communiqué stated, “The Forum noted with delight the ongoing efforts at resolving the crisis in the National Working Committee on the position of the National Secretary and reaffirmed its support for the Court of Appeal judgment. Consequently, the forum advised the NWC to set up the machinery for its effective implementation.”
Governors Challenge Wike’s Influence
A reliable PDP source disclosed that governors frustrated with Wike’s dominance over party affairs spearheaded Ude-Okoye’s endorsement. “Among the former G5, after Wike, the next most influential governor within PDP is Makinde. But the relationship soured after the removal of his ally, Ali Odefa, as PDP National Vice Chairman (South East),” the source said.
He further explained that many governors, including Bala Mohammed and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, are keen on reclaiming control of the party from Wike. “Before the Asaba meeting, a governor in Wike’s camp tried to rally support, but it failed. The governors reviewed court documents and decided to back Ude-Okoye. This is a major setback for Wike,” he added.
Ude-Okoye Praises Governors, Pledges Commitment
Reacting to his confirmation, Ude-Okoye commended the governors for their leadership and vowed to serve the party diligently. “PDP members should remain committed and resolute. Our party was built on truth by great Nigerians who founded it. We will recover power and take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.
Attempts to reach Anyanwu for comment were unsuccessful. However, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba welcomed the governors’ decision, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
“Every organ of this party respects the judiciary and implements court rulings. That’s what responsible institutions do, and that’s what is expected of us,” Ologunagba stated.
As the party navigates its internal crisis, the coming weeks will reveal how the power struggle plays out, especially with the scheduled NEC meeting on March 13.
