The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary, following the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the matter. In a statement on Wednesday, the party emphasized its commitment to abiding by the appeal court’s decision.
During a meeting on February 11, 2025, the NWC discussed the memo presented by acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, regarding Udeh-Okoye’s appointment. The NWC reviewed several key documents, including the judgment from the Enugu High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as legal opinions from Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN, and the PDP’s national legal adviser.
The NWC reaffirmed Udeh-Okoye’s position as the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP, ensuring that no superior court ruling or order supersedes the Court of Appeal’s decision. The NWC has already begun transmitting this resolution to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for formal recognition.
The NWC also praised party leaders, members, and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the rule of law and loyalty to the PDP, reassuring that it would continue to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution, operational guidelines, and the vision of its founding members.
However, controversy surrounded the NWC’s decision, with some members, including Damagum, indicating that the matter was only discussed virtually on WhatsApp. Damagum clarified that the meeting was not an official decision of the NWC, and some members abstained from voting on the issue.
Meanwhile, the PDP disciplinary committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, is also facing internal conflicts. Allegations of anti-party activities against former Governor Samuel Ortom and others from Benue State have raised questions about the legality of the committee’s actions, with Ortom’s lawyer demanding an apology from the committee for reputational harm caused by its public statements.
In Abia State, the PDP’s local chapter has insisted that the suspension of Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara remains valid despite the NWC’s declaration that it was null and void. The state PDP chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, argued that the suspension was carried out in full compliance with the party’s constitution.
Former national chairmen Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and Uche Secondus also congratulated Udeh-Okoye on his appointment and praised the NWC for upholding the rule of law. They urged the party leadership to focus on strengthening the PDP in preparation for future elections, while calling on the ruling APC to respect the opposition for a vibrant democracy.
