The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), has urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to formally swear in Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary without further delay.
In a memo submitted to the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and received on Monday, Ajibade reaffirmed his support for the decision of the Board of Trustees (BoT) panel, which recognized Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.
Ajibade noted that both Ude-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had willingly submitted to the BoT panel, led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, to resolve the dispute. Therefore, he stressed, they should respect and adhere to the panel’s findings.
The PDP has been dealing with internal strife, particularly regarding the National Secretary position.
The crisis began when the South East nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State.
The controversy escalated when the Appeal Court ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye on December 20, 2024.
However, tensions persisted, reaching a boiling point on January 28, when Anyanwu’s supporters forcefully removed Ude-Okoye from a BoT meeting.
On January 31, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, upheld the court’s decision and recognized Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary.
Anyanwu, however, rejected the ruling, petitioning the Supreme Court and security agencies while accusing the governors of aggravating the crisis.
Following further review, the BoT, chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary.
In response to the BoT’s directive, Acting National Chairman Damagum sought legal advice from the PDP National Legal Adviser on February 6. Ajibade’s response, dated February 7 and received on Monday, reaffirmed Ude-Okoye’s legitimacy.
Ajibade warned that disregarding the BoT’s ruling could further destabilize the party.
He emphasized that since both parties had agreed to the BoT’s arbitration, they should honor its verdict.
“The individuals involved voluntarily submitted to the BoT panel, chaired by Dr. Kabiru Turaki (SAN). The legal opinion derived from the proceedings has been endorsed by the BoT, which serves as the conscience of the party,” Ajibade stated.
He concluded by fully aligning with the BoT’s decision and urged the PDP leadership to proceed with Ude-Okoye’s swearing-in to restore stability within the party.