PDP South-South leadership crisis escalates amid power struggles

DDM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening crisis as leadership disputes intensify across different levels of the party.

The battle for control has created divisions, with various factions asserting authority.

On Thursday, embattled National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu defied directives from the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the National Working Committee (NWC) to vacate his position for Sunday Ude-Okoye.

Despite mounting pressure, Anyanwu insisted that he remains the legitimate national secretary, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reported.

He resumed work at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, continuing his official duties.

During a video call with the spokesman for the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Lere Olayinka, he reaffirmed his position.

Olayinka shared the video on his verified X handle, showing Anyanwu in his office.

In the call, Anyanwu said, “As you can see, I’m in my office. These are my people, and we are working.”

He also claimed that some individuals attempted to gain unauthorized access to his office.

He pointed to CCTV footage showing intruders allegedly trying to jump over the fence at the PDP headquarters.

Meanwhile, the crisis deepened as key party organs backed Ude-Okoye as the rightful national secretary.

The PDP Governors’ Forum, the BoT, and some NWC members have recognized Ude-Okoye.

Among them are National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade.

They insisted that the party had officially decided to replace Anyanwu with Ude-Okoye.

However, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum reportedly refused to endorse the decision.

His refusal has created further divisions, with different factions pushing for control.

In Imo State, the PDP leadership strongly backed Anyanwu, stating that he remains the national secretary.

State Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku insisted that Anyanwu could not be removed unless the Supreme Court ruled otherwise.

He dismissed reports that the NWC had formally recognized Ude-Okoye as false and misleading.

He argued that any decision to replace Anyanwu before the Supreme Court’s ruling would be illegal.

The PDP is also experiencing a major crisis in the South-South over a planned zonal executive meeting.

The Zonal Secretary of the party, Chief Felix Omemu, rejected the meeting, calling it illegal.

The meeting, scheduled for Edo State, was convened by Chief Dan Orbih.

Orbih is among the PDP leaders in Edo who worked against the party’s candidate in the last governorship election.

Instead of supporting Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate, they backed Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Omemu accused Orbih of attempting to destabilize the party in the South-South.

He urged PDP leaders, including governors and state chairmen, to boycott the meeting.

According to Omemu, such a meeting can only be held with approval from the Zonal Working Committee.

He stated that the committee never approved the meeting, making it illegal.

He warned that attending the meeting could further damage the party’s unity in the zone.

He called on top PDP leaders, including former governors and National Assembly members, to intervene.

The crisis in the South-South has added to the party’s growing internal strife.

While tensions rise at the national level, the PDP in Ekiti State is making efforts to resolve its internal crisis.

On Thursday, leaders of the party in Ekiti held a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti.

Caretaker Committee Chairman Dare Adeleke led the meeting, emphasizing the need for unity.

He urged party members to prioritize the PDP’s survival over personal ambitions.

He noted that internal disputes had delayed the party’s congresses.

The congresses, initially scheduled for two weeks ago, were postponed due to the national crisis.

Adeleke warned that disciplinary action would be taken against members engaging in anti-party activities.

Governorship aspirant Dr. Wole Oluyede assured that PDP remains strong in Ekiti State.

He emphasized that despite disagreements, the party was committed to winning the next governorship election.

He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing the people of Ekiti.

He stated that PDP had contributed more to the development of the state.

Former National Assembly member Duro Faseyi urged members to stay committed to the party’s revival.

He called on party members to work together to reposition PDP ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

He insisted that PDP could return to power in Ekiti if leaders put their differences aside.

The deepening crisis across PDP factions will shape the party’s future.

With the South-South and national leadership in turmoil, the party faces an uncertain road ahead.

The outcome of these leadership battles will determine the PDP’s strength in upcoming elections.

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