In a decisive move to rescue the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from self-destruction, governors under the party’s umbrella convened in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, taking critical steps to address internal disputes and reaffirm their commitment to the party’s survival. Key among their decisions was the confirmation of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary, in line with a Court of Appeal judgment.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, also mandated the National Executive Committee (NEC) to convene by March 13, 2025, to address pressing issues within the party. The meeting aimed to resolve the lingering crisis over the National Secretary position, which had been a source of contention between Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu.
Court Judgment Implementation
The Court of Appeal had ruled on December 20, 2024, in favor of Udeh-Okoye, declaring him the authentic National Secretary and restraining Anyanwu from parading himself as the officeholder. Despite a subsequent restraining order against Udeh-Okoye dated January 13, 2025, the PDP governors reaffirmed their support for the appellate court’s decision.
In a communiqué signed by Governor Bala Mohammed, the forum stated, “The Forum noted with delight the ongoing efforts at resolving the crisis in the NWC on the position of the National Secretary and has reaffirmed its support for the Court of Appeal judgment. Consequently, the Forum advised the NWC to set up the machinery for the effective implementation of the court judgment.”
NEC Meeting and Party Unity
The governors also emphasized the need for the NEC to meet by March 13, 2025, to address broader party issues. “The Forum, having examined all the notices required by law to validly convoke NEC, advised the NWC to reschedule NEC to the thirteenth (13th) of March 2025,” the communiqué read.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the PDP governors to review the performance of member states and the nation at large. They highlighted the socio-economic, security, and infrastructural challenges facing Nigeria, attributing many of these issues to the federal government’s macroeconomic policies.
Criticism of Federal Government Policies
The PDP governors criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that its policies have inflicted hardship on Nigerians. They called for a revisit or rejig of these policies to alleviate the suffering of citizens. “No meaningful or impactful achievements in the states will be achieved until the harsh policies are addressed,” the communiqué stated.
While commending the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies in combating insecurity, the governors expressed concern over the resurgence of non-state actors. They called for the strengthening of the nation’s security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Appreciation for Delta State
The PDP governors expressed gratitude to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting the meeting and commended his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, environmental remediation, and security. They also reassured Nigerians of their commitment to restoring the country to the “glorious days of pre-2015,” marked by manageable living costs, security, and national unity.
“We remain committed to returning our great nation to the glorious days of pre-2015, characterized by manageable costs of living, security of lives and property, and greater unity and prosperity for all citizens,” the communiqué concluded.
As the PDP takes steps to resolve its internal crisis, the party’s ability to unite and address national challenges will be crucial in shaping its future ahead of the 2027 elections.
