Abuja Bureau Chief, LEON USIGBE, analyzes the struggle for the post of National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between Senator Sam Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye and its implications as it seeks to rebuild itself ahead of the 2025 general elections.
THE struggle for the post of National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between Senator Sam Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye encapsulates a microcosm of broader challenges faced by Nigeria’s leading opposition party. This dispute, which involves legal battles, factionalism, and internal governance issues, threatens to undermine the party’s credibility and its ability to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The genesis
The current leadership struggle is rooted in Anyanwu’s resignation from the position of National Secretary to contest the November 11, 2023 Imo State governorship election. Following his defeat, Anyanwu sought to reclaim his former position, asserting that his resignation did not create a vacancy since he was not formally replaced. Meanwhile, the South East Zone of the PDP nominated Sunday Ude-Okoye to fill the position, a move subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Enugu. This court ruling declared Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary, citing the legitimacy of his nomination.
Ude-Okoye, now backed by the Court of Appeal’s judgment, moved to assume office, while Anyanwu’s appeal to the Supreme Court and his application for a stay of execution complicated matters, deepening the divisions within the party. Anyanwu insists that the status quo remains until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict. This has resulted to a stalemate.
Legal dimensions, internal governance
The dispute highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and internal party governance. Anyanwu has criticized Ude-Okoye for bypassing the PDP’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms, arguing that leadership matters within a political party are not justiciable. This raises questions about the autonomy of political parties in managing their affairs and the role of the judiciary in resolving such disputes.
At the heart of this legal conundrum is the PDP’s constitution, which outlines procedures for filling vacancies and resolving conflicts. Anyanwu’s assertion that a pending application for a stay of execution legally protects his claim contrasts sharply with the party’s stated commitment to abiding by judicial pronouncements. This conflict underscores a governance gap within the PDP, where internal mechanisms have failed to preempt prolonged litigation.
Factionalism, erosion of unity
The leadership tussle has exposed deep factionalism within the PDP. The National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) are reportedly divided, with members aligning themselves with either Anyanwu or Ude-Okoye. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed public support for Ude-Okoye. This division has spilled over into public displays of support, including protests and heightened security at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
National officers of the party have conspicuously stayed away from the national secretariat in Abuja, reportedly to avoid interactions with Anyanwu, who has consistently reported to work since the secretariat reopened last Monday after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Such factionalism undermines the party’s ability to project unity, a critical factor in building voter confidence.
The absence of key NWC members from the secretariat, coupled with the abrupt cancellation of the committee’s scheduled meeting last week, signals an organization grappling with internal discord. Makinde noted recently that Nigerians are looking for alternatives to the ruling APC but observers agree that a divided PDP risks squandering this opportunity by failing to present a cohesive front.
Implications for the PDP’s credibility, electoral prospects
The leadership crisis poses significant risks to the PDP’s credibility. Observers believe that as the party prepares for its 2025 national convention and subsequent elections, prolonged internal disputes could alienate members and erode public trust. The perception of a party unable to manage its affairs effectively diminishes its appeal as a credible alternative to the APC.
Moreover, the crisis highlights a broader trend of institutional weakness within the PDP. Pundits say the inability to enforce internal resolutions and the reliance on the judiciary to settle disputes point to systemic issues in governance. This not only hampers the party’s operational efficiency but also provides ammunition for political rivals to question its readiness to govern at the national level.
The role of external influences, particularly allegations of interference by the APC, adds another layer of complexity. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba’s claims of external meddling underscore the vulnerability of opposition parties in Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether or not these allegations hold water, they divert attention from the PDP’s internal challenges and further weaken its public standing.
The Rule of Law, political stability
While receiving members of the PDP NWC on a condolence visit over the food stampede deaths in Ibadan recently, Governor Makinde expressed his support for Ude-Okoye and emphasized adherence to the rule of law as a pathway for resolving the crisis. “Yes, this New Year has given us the opportunity to talk about happenings within our party, especially the issues surrounding the rule of law. There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary. My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law. This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we will stay on the side of the law.”
The governor’s called for sacrifices in the interest of party unity, reflecting the need for a conciliatory approach. However, the challenge lies in translating this rhetoric into action. Both claimants must prioritize the party’s collective interest over individual ambitions, a task easier said than done in Nigeria’s high-stakes political environment.
The broader implication of this crisis extends beyond the PDP. A weakened opposition undermines Nigeria’s democratic health by limiting voter choices. As Makinde rightly pointed out, Nigerians do not want a one-party state. The PDP’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front is crucial for maintaining a competitive political landscape.
Pathways to resolution
Resolving the leadership tussle requires a multi-pronged approach. First, the PDP must strengthen its internal governance mechanisms to prevent future disputes. This includes revisiting its constitution to clarify procedures for handling resignations, filling vacancies, and resolving conflicts. Second, party leaders must facilitate dialogue between the warring factions. A mediated settlement could prevent further litigation and restore a semblance of unity.
Third, the PDP must address the root causes of factionalism, including issues of trust and office nominations. Transparent decision-making processes and equitable distribution of positions can mitigate grievances and foster cohesion. Finally, the party must manage its public image by demonstrating a commitment to the rule of law and internal democracy. Effective communication strategies can help rebuild public confidence in the PDP’s leadership.
Analysts say the struggle for the position of National Secretary between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye is symptomatic of deeper challenges within the PDP. This dispute, characterized by legal battles, factionalism, and governance gaps, threatens to undermine the party’s credibility and its ability to serve as a viable alternative to the APC. Resolving this crisis requires adherence to the rule of law, strengthened internal governance, and a commitment to unity.
As the party navigates this turbulent period, its ability to overcome internal divisions will determine its prospects for future electoral success. In the words of Governor Makinde, Nigerians are looking for alternatives. Political experts recommend that the PDP must rise to this challenge by putting its house in order and presenting a united front. Failure to do so risks ceding the political landscape to the ruling party. This is a scenario, which in the eye of Makinde, is detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic future.
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