PDP has confirmed real national secretary at NEC meeting amid South East threats to quit party.
In a decisive move to resolve a lingering leadership dispute, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, igniting fresh tensions with the South-East geopolitical zone, which has threatened to reconsider its continued membership over the matter.
The confirmation was announced on Monday by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, following a high-stakes NEC meeting held at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. The decision brings to a close months of internal wrangling and legal uncertainty over the position, which had been contested by Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader nominated by the South-East zonal executive committee.
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“This decision is final,” Damagum told reporters, emphasizing the NEC’s authority and urging all party members to rally behind the leadership as it prepares for future electoral contests.
South-East Fumes Over Snub
However, the NEC’s move has drawn sharp criticism from South-East leaders, who argue that the party disregarded their consensus choice. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, a key powerbroker in the region, declared that the zone’s position on the national secretary role remains “sacrosanct.”
In a private meeting attended by several party elders; including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Mbah reportedly warned that the zone may “review its continued membership” in the party if its candidate, Udeh-Okoye, is not recognized.
“This is not just about politics; it’s about fairness and respect for our zone,” one senior PDP member from the region told The Guardian Nigeria. “If the party cannot respect internal democracy, the South-East will have no choice but to explore other political options.”
Governors Reassure Party Unity
Despite the brewing tensions, the PDP Governors’ Forum insists the party remains united. Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, dismissed speculation of internal disarray, stating that earlier disagreements had been “amicably resolved” through consultations with the National Working Committee and other party organs.
“The PDP is not divided. We have no rival factions, no side alliances, and no secret coalitions. What we have is a renewed focus on our role as the main opposition party capable of shaping Nigeria’s democratic future,” Mohammed said.
He also rejected reports of mass defections, asserting that such claims were “politically motivated distractions.”
A Lingering Rift
The roots of the crisis trace back to May 2024, when the South-East PDP caucus nominated Udeh-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had vacated the secretary position to run for Imo State governor in 2023. Citing a series of zonal leadership meetings in October 2023, February 2024, and January 2025, the caucus insisted that Anyanwu had relinquished the role.
But following Anyanwu’s defeat in the gubernatorial race, he returned to claim the position—sparking a bitter standoff. A series of legal battles and public statements followed, culminating in Monday’s NEC meeting.
With Anyanwu now officially reinstated, it remains unclear how the South-East will respond. While the NEC’s decision brings institutional clarity, it may also deepen the alienation felt in a region long seen as one of the PDP’s traditional strongholds.
What This Means
Analysts say the PDP risks further fragmentation if the South-East follows through on its threat to exit or disengage from party activities. “The PDP is walking a tightrope,” said political commentator Jide Ojo. “Alienating the South-East ahead of 2027 could be a strategic blunder.”
For now, the party leadership is projecting confidence. But behind closed doors, reconciliation efforts are likely underway as the PDP attempts to preserve its national footprint while navigating a treacherous internal rift.
