On Monday, police officers were stationed at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as both the embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyawu, and Ude Okoye, who the Court of Appeal declared the authentic National Secretary, were expected to resume their roles. Both Anyawu and Okoye are laying claim to the position of National Secretary of the PDP.
A small contingent of police personnel was present at the PDP headquarters, alongside supporters of both Anyawu and Okoye. Amid the ongoing tension, Anyawu arrived at the premises, proceeded to his office, and was greeted by cheers from his supporters. Once inside his office, Anyawu called for prayers before responding briefly to questions from journalists.
Regarding the court ruling, Anyawu stated that the matter has been appealed and is now before the Supreme Court. When asked about the party’s recent acknowledgment of Okoye as National Secretary, Anyawu explained that the statement made by the party’s national publicity secretary was merely his personal opinion.
The dispute over the position began after Anyawu contested in the Imo State governorship election, which he lost to the incumbent. Upon his return to the party, Okoye, who had temporarily taken over during Anyawu’s absence, contested Anyawu’s right to reclaim the office he had vacated for the election.
The courts ruled in favor of Okoye, and the PDP National Working Committee subsequently recognized him as the legally appointed National Secretary, affirming their respect for the Court of Appeal’s decision.
