PDP Crisis: South-East Caucus Gives Saraki Panel Truce Conditions

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened over the weekend as the South-East caucus of the party tabled a set of truce conditions before the Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee. In a closed-door meeting held on Friday at the Enugu State Government House, Governor Peter Mbah, who leads the party in the zone, hosted the Saraki panel to address festering internal grievances and forestall further defections.

According to sources privy to the meeting, the caucus made it clear that the party must retain Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary if it wants to maintain its political relevance in the South-East. They argued that the zone has been systematically sidelined in key party decisions, a trend that, if left unchecked, could jeopardize the PDP’s support base in the region.

Saraki, speaking to journalists after the meeting, described the dialogue as “very useful,” adding, “We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully will work on that.” However, insiders disclosed that the tone of the engagement was firm, with the South-East leaders insisting on their demands as non-negotiable for peace to return.

Governor Mbah Decries Marginalisation of South-East in PDP affairs

During the deliberations, Governor Mbah reportedly expressed deep concern over what he termed the continued marginalisation of the South-East in the PDP’s affairs. He reminded the Saraki panel that the region had been instrumental in reviving the party after its crisis in 2015, particularly under the leadership of then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“The South-East has always been a loyal pillar of support for the PDP,” a source quoted the governor as saying. “But we are not being respected. If the party truly values this relationship, it must demonstrate so in its actions, starting with retaining Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.”

The Enugu governor also warned that ignoring the zone’s position could accelerate defections to rival parties, especially given the growing political re-alignments ahead of 2027. A communique previously issued on May 14 by the South-East PDP leadership, signed by Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa, had similarly threatened to withdraw from the party if Udeh-Okoye was not recognized as the legitimate National Secretary.

National Secretary Dispute at the Heart of the Crisis

The crisis over the National Secretary position dates back to 2023 when Senator Samuel Anyanwu, originally elected to the post in 2021, contested the Imo State governorship election under the PDP. His candidacy, party insiders argue, effectively vacated his secretarial role, sparking leadership confusion and legal battles within the party.

To address the vacuum, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) mandated the South-East to nominate a replacement. The caucus chose Sunday Ude-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader. However, this decision was met with resistance, culminating in a Supreme Court verdict and further internal wrangling. Despite the court’s ruling, the party’s governors later nominated Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary, fueling further discontent in the South-East.

The fallout has not only strained the unity of the PDP but also raised questions about its internal democracy and ability to manage conflicts equitably across regions.

NEC Meeting to Decide PDP’s Fate

In an effort to chart a way forward, the PDP will convene its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, May 27, with the National Secretary imbroglio top of the agenda. Other issues expected to dominate discussions include the upcoming elective national convention and zonal congresses.

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that various committees, including the Disciplinary and Reconciliation panels, would submit progress reports. He acknowledged that the meeting is likely to be tense but expressed hope that it would signal a turning point for the party.

“The more the NEC meeting is postponed, the deeper the crisis within the party becomes,” the official said. “That’s why Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is ensuring that all arrangements are in place for the meeting to proceed as scheduled.”

Hopes for Reconciliation Amid Party Tensions

Despite the heavy atmosphere surrounding the upcoming NEC meeting, party officials are optimistic that concrete resolutions will emerge. According to the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, all preparations are complete, and the party is determined to resolve the issue of the National Secretary and other lingering matters.

“The PDP is committed to resolving its internal challenges and moving forward as a unified front,” Ologunagba told Opitanglobamedia News. “The NEC will consider all submissions, including the South-East’s demands, and appropriate resolutions will be made to restore confidence and cohesion within the party.”

As the PDP approaches a critical juncture in its internal politics, the outcome of Tuesday’s NEC meeting may well determine its future relevance, especially in the South-East where discontent continues to simmer. The party’s ability to navigate this crisis effectively could either reinvigorate its support base—or signal the beginning of a regional and national decline.