As the tension continues to escalate within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the presence of law enforcement officers was notably observed at the party’s national headquarters on Monday. This was ahead of the anticipated return to duty of both Samuel Anyawu, the contested National Secretary, and Ude Okoye, whom the Court of Appeal has recognized as the legitimate holder of the office. The stage is set for a potentially dramatic showdown as both factions prepare to lay claim to the top administrative position.
Our correspondent on the ground has reported that heightened anticipation surrounds the arrival of both secretaries at the party headquarters, given their competing assertions to the position. A protest, led by a group of Samuel Anyawu’s supporters, unfolded at the entrance of the PDP building on Monday, with chants echoing their demand for Anyawu to retain his seat as the true national secretary of the party.
Already, a modest police presence has been stationed at the headquarters, while supporters of both Anyawu and Okoye gather in solidarity, each faction awaiting the unfolding of what may be an intense face-off. Amid the fervent protest, Anyawu made his entrance to the premises, driving directly into his office while his supporters cheered him on. Upon settling into his workspace, Anyawu convened a brief moment of prayer before addressing a handful of questions from the media.
In his remarks, Anyawu referred to the ongoing legal battle, stating that the decision by the Court of Appeal had been appealed and was now under review at the Supreme Court. When asked about the party’s recent position in acknowledging Okoye as the rightful National Secretary, Anyawu dismissed the statement, asserting that the briefing delivered by the national publicity secretary was merely an individual’s opinion and did not reflect the party’s official stance.
This internal turmoil traces its roots back to Anyawu’s participation in the Imo State governorship election, a race he ultimately lost to the incumbent governor, further intensifying the division within the party. The rift between Anyawu and Okoye has now become a full-fledged power struggle for control of the PDP’s administrative helm.
