The Southeast zonal executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as its nominee for the position of National Secretary, warning of a possible mass defection if its position is ignored.
The resolution was presented to the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, by Senator Osita Ngwu, who read the communique issued after the Southeast caucus meeting held on May 14, 2025, at the Enugu State Government House.
According to Senator Ngwu, the caucus met in accordance with the resolution adopted by the PDP Governors’ Forum on April 14 and ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC) on April 29, directing the Southeast zone to nominate a candidate for the office.
Ngwu emphasized that the nomination of Ude-Okoye, a former PDP National Youth Leader, was unanimous and aimed at restoring peace and stability within the party.
“Our zone is committed to lasting peace and unity in the PDP,” Ngwu said. “We want a resolution that will reposition the party for electoral success. The Southeast has remained a strong pillar of the PDP, and our loyalty should not be undermined.”
He urged the party leadership to uphold past precedents in handling NWC replacements and warned that disregarding the zone’s nominee would be seen as an act of bad faith.
“This is not a new precedent,” Ngwu added. “We are simply asking that due process be followed and our collective decision respected. If our position is ignored again, the consequences could include mass withdrawal from the party.”
In response, Arapaja acknowledged receipt of the resolution and assured that the matter would be deliberated on and forwarded to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for a final decision.
“I understand your frustration,” he said. “But walking away from the party is like a landlord abandoning his house because of a leak. The PDP remains the only party owned by the people, and we must fix internal issues together.”
Meanwhile, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has backed the Southeast caucus’ stance, insisting that Ude-Okoye remains the rightful nominee for National Secretary. He dismissed the recognition of Samuel Anyanwu by a committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, arguing that Anyanwu relinquished the position when he contested the Imo governorship election.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Udenwa said, “The forces backing Anyanwu are not stronger than the Southeast Caucus. We’ve made our nomination multiple times, and if it’s ignored, it means the party doesn’t want our input.”
He further stated that no individual, including former Governor Nyesom Wike, holds the power to override a zonal caucus decision.
“The party has a constitution and due process. No individual can substitute the will of a zone,” he added.
PDP Senate Caucus: Party Remains Strong
Amid internal tensions, the PDP Senate Caucus has dismissed claims that the party is in crisis, declaring that the PDP remains strong and resilient.
In a statement issued after a meeting at the National Assembly, the caucus stated: “Despite defections to the ruling APC, our party is not in shreds. Internal conflicts exist in all parties, including APC, Labour Party, and NNPP.”
The senators urged members to remain committed, saying, “We are confident that the upcoming party activities will revitalize the PDP and position it for future electoral success.”
The caucus also expressed support for coalition politics but emphasized that such efforts must be party-driven rather than championed by individuals.
“The PDP’s umbrella is large enough to accommodate all like-minded individuals in any coalition arrangement,” the statement added. “We are a competitive and resilient party with presence in all corners of Nigeria.”
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
