The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with escalating internal conflicts as significant party figures challenge the authority of its leadership.
On Thursday in Abuja, the embattled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, defied instructions from the party’s governors, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Working Committee (NWC) to step down in favor of Sunday Ude-Okoye. Despite mounting pressure, Anyanwu resumed his duties at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, insisting on maintaining his position.
In the South-South zone, the Zonal Secretary of the party, Felix Omemu, rejected a proposed zonal executive meeting in Edo State, led by Dan Orbih. The meeting, scheduled for Saturday, February 15, in Benin City, was deemed illegal by Omemu, who clarified that the Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) had not met or approved such a gathering. Omemu’s stance stems from disagreements over the leadership in Edo State, where Orbih, alongside other aggrieved leaders, had supported Governor Monday Okpebholo during his election campaign, even against the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
In a video call with Federal Capital Territory Minister Lere Olayinka, Anyanwu remained defiant, showing his office and employees to the camera while discussing his ongoing role. “As you can see, I’m in my office. These are my people and we are working,” Anyanwu said.
The NWC, however, has thrown its weight behind Ude-Okoye as the new National Secretary. Despite the backing of the party’s governors and the BoT, Anyanwu’s supporters in Imo State argue that the issue remains unresolved and should be decided by the Supreme Court.
The clash between party organs has spilled over into other regions. Omemu, in a statement from Yenagoa, strongly opposed the planned meeting by Orbih, stating that it was illegal and violated the party’s constitution. He urged key PDP leaders in the South-South zone to distance themselves from the meeting, which he claimed was orchestrated to further damage the party’s unity.
“I am placing on alert the key PDP leaders in the South-South zone, urging them to call Chief Orbih to order to avoid any untoward consequences,” Omemu added.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders in Ekiti State are working towards reconciling internal disputes to ensure smooth congresses and a successful outing in the 2026 governorship election. Chief Dare Adeleke, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, emphasized the importance of unity and discipline within the party, especially as tensions from the national headquarters have affected the state’s activities.
As the party navigates these turbulent waters, PDP members in Ekiti have pledged to remain committed to resolving internal conflicts for the collective good, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming governorship race.
