Anyanwu rejects BoT’s directive on Ude-Okoye’s appointment as PDP National secretary

The Board of Trustees (BoT) ordered the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Sunday Ude-Okoye, a major candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Secretary post, but Senator Samuel Anyanwu has refused.

Citing the ongoing legal dispute and the expiration of the terms of many of the BoT members in attendance, Anyanwu, who is now involved in a legal battle over the position, rejected the directive as premature and dubious.

In a statement, Anyanwu pointed out that neither he nor the National Chairman, a BoT member, were invited to the critical meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

“I’m a member of the BoT, I was not invited to the meeting, and neither was the National Chairman. This shows a lot,” Anyanwu stated.

“In any case, the tenure of about 80% of those at the meeting expired last October. They are also aware that this matter is in court. Even Chairman Wabara, who was taken to court, sent a representative. Their advice is just that — advice, and it cannot be taken seriously.”

The BoT had earlier instructed the NWC to swear in Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary, citing a ruling from the Enugu High Court that was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

This decision followed an emergency meeting where BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, presented a communiqué outlining the board’s position. The BoT stressed the importance of adhering to the court’s judgment and reinforcing the party’s constitutional integrity by appointing Ude-Okoye.

Wabara emphasized the BoT’s role as a key organ of the PDP, asserting its constitutional authority to maintain high moral standards within the party.

He also acknowledged the efforts of PDP Governors’ Forum, the NWC, and the South East Executive Committee in upholding the party’s provisions.

Despite this, Anyanwu, who previously held the National Secretary position, contends that the issue is still under judicial review and therefore should not be resolved outside of the courts.

Read Also: I remain PDP’s National Secretary, says Anyanwu

The controversy stems from PDP stakeholders in the South East nominating Ude-Okoye as a replacement, arguing that the position rightfully belongs to the zone, a sentiment echoed by the party’s leadership.

As the situation unfolds, the BoT remains firm in its directive, calling for unity within the party as it prepares for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025.

Wabara also highlighted security concerns that have prompted the meeting to be held outside the National Secretariat, urging the leadership to address these issues promptly.

Despite the tensions, Wabara reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to democratic governance and national unity, with the party positioning itself as a major force for progress and prosperity in Nigeria.