South-East PDP Leaders Threaten Mass Exit Over Party’s Delay in Ratifying Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary

The ongoing crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened following a stern warning from the party’s South-East leaders, who have threatened to reconsider their membership if their demand to install Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary is ignored again. The leaders expressed frustration over the National Working Committee’s (NWC) repeated failure to ratify Udeh-Okoye, despite several nominations since October 2023.

In a communique issued at the end of the South-East PDP Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, the leaders emphasized their unwavering support for the party over nearly three decades. They cautioned that the continuous sidelining of the region—despite its critical role in building and sustaining the PDP—would no longer be tolerated. The statement, read by Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa, described the repeated rejection of Udeh-Okoye’s nomination as a slight on the South-East and a threat to the party’s unity.

Udeh-Okoye’s Nomination: A Test of Loyalty and Equity

According to the communique, the ZEC’s meeting was convened in response to the NWC’s directive at its 600th meeting in Abuja, which mandated the South-East to fill the vacant position of National Secretary. After extensive deliberations, the ZEC unanimously reaffirmed Hon. Udeh-Okoye as their preferred candidate, describing the nomination as the “sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress” within the party.

Despite this clear and united stance, the region lamented that it had to repeatedly nominate Udeh-Okoye since late 2023, a situation they described as humiliating and unjust. The communique urged the NWC to not only ratify Udeh-Okoye’s nomination without further delay but also ensure that Arch. Setonji Koshoedo continues in an acting capacity pending final approval by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Leaders Express Outrage Over Continued Disrespect

Top political figures from the region also spoke out angrily against what they perceived as deliberate marginalization by the national leadership of the PDP. Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah called for unity among South-East leaders, urging them to speak with one voice to protect the region’s political interests.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, expressed his disappointment, declaring that the South-East had been “trampled upon” and disrespected. “If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this,” Wabara said. “The usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man. We may have to reconsider our stand if this continues. But I trust the NWC.”

South-East Reiterates Historical Loyalty to the PDP

The communique emphasized the pivotal role the South-East has played in sustaining the PDP since its inception, describing the region as the party’s most loyal and consistent stronghold. Leaders cited recent political gains in the region, including successful efforts to draw prominent opposition figures into the PDP fold—particularly in Enugu, where former Labour Party (LP) leaders have defected to the PDP.

In light of these contributions, the leaders expressed dismay that their loyalty has not been reciprocated with respect and fairness. “We have given our all to this party. At a time when it is hemorrhaging members nationwide, the South-East remains a fortress of strength,” the communique read.

Final Warning: Respect Our Decision or We Walk

Concluding their remarks, the South-East PDP leaders issued what amounts to a final warning: unless the party moves swiftly to ratify Udeh-Okoye’s nomination, they will be forced to review their continued association with the PDP. Former Imo State Governor Chief Achike Udenwa voiced similar sentiments, stating, “We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again.”

The message was clear—respect the South-East or risk losing one of the PDP’s most loyal and organized power blocs. The ball is now in the court of the party’s national leadership as the clock ticks toward what could become a major political realignment.