PDP Leadership Crisis: Wike Camp Resists as BoT Backs Governors

The ongoing leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened following the Board of Trustees’ (BoT) endorsement of former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, as the party’s National Secretary. The decision has sparked resistance from embattled former secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and his supporters, including loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Despite a court ruling affirming Ude-Okoye’s appointment, the dispute over the party’s National Secretary position continues to widen internal divisions. With key party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, aligning with the BoT, the rift threatens the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PDP BoT Endorses Ude-Okoye Amid Leadership Tensions

The PDP BoT reaffirmed Ude-Okoye’s appointment following a comprehensive review of a report by its investigative committee, chaired by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN). The report, which was based on the declarative judgment of the High Court of Enugu and upheld by the Court of Appeal, validated Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP.

Reading the BoT’s communiqué, Chairman Adolphus Wabara emphasized the board’s constitutional role in ensuring high moral standards within the party. He urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to recognize Ude-Okoye officially and swear him in without delay. Wabara also praised the PDP Governors’ Forum for its role in stabilizing the party and setting March 13, 2025, as the date for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

However, Anyanwu dismissed the BoT’s decision, arguing that most of its members had exceeded their tenure since October 2024 and lacked the authority to make binding decisions. He maintained that a stay of execution was still in effect, preventing Ude-Okoye from assuming the office of National Secretary.

Governors and NWC Align Against Anyanwu

The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has fully backed the Appeal Court’s ruling and the BoT’s position. The governors distanced themselves from Anyanwu, urging the party’s leadership to implement the judgment and swear in Ude-Okoye.

In response, Anyanwu filed fresh petitions with the Inspector-General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court, insisting that he remains the rightful National Secretary. He argued that the governors’ endorsement of Ude-Okoye would further divide the party and accused them of acting unilaterally.

PDP insiders suggest that most NWC members favor resolving the crisis swiftly to prevent further damage to the PDP’s electoral prospects. Some have called on Anyanwu to step aside and pursue his legal battle without holding the party hostage. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, also urged Anyanwu to respect the court ruling and prioritize the party’s stability over personal interests.

Wike’s Camp Pushes Back, Calls BoT’s Decision Illegal

Loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key power broker within the PDP, have strongly opposed the BoT’s position. Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized Wabara and the BoT for taking sides in the dispute, arguing that their tenure had expired and their decisions carried no legal weight.

Osadolor maintained that Anyanwu should remain in office until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment. He accused Wabara of bias and warned that forcing Ude-Okoye into the role could lead to further instability. Other party figures aligned with Wike echoed these concerns, stating that the BoT’s actions were legally questionable and politically motivated.

However, a PDP NEC member countered this argument, stating that the Appeal Court’s ruling was final unless overturned by the Supreme Court. He added that the party must follow legal precedents rather than personal loyalties, warning that prolonged internal conflicts could weaken the PDP’s electoral chances in 2027.

Call for Reconciliation as Crisis Deepens

As tensions escalate, some party leaders have called for an urgent reconciliation between the warring factions. Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, proposed a meeting between Anyanwu, the BoT, and the Governors’ Forum to resolve the dispute amicably.

Odeyemi emphasized that the party must focus on unity ahead of upcoming elections rather than engaging in prolonged infighting. He suggested that if Anyanwu was confident in his Supreme Court case, he should step aside temporarily rather than allowing the crisis to drag on.

With the PDP facing internal turmoil and external political challenges, the outcome of this leadership struggle could shape the party’s future. The March 13 NEC meeting is expected to be a decisive moment, as party stakeholders seek a resolution to this deepening crisis.