Notwithstanding the PDP Governor's Forum's Endorsement of Ude-Okoye, Sen. Anyanwu Returns to his Position as National Secretary.

The internal leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the contested National Secretary, has returned to the party’s National Headquarters despite the endorsement of Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s secretary by the PDP Governors’ Forum. The PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, confirmed Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary on Friday, citing the ruling of the Appeal Court and directing the National Working Committee to act in accordance with the judgment. Nevertheless, Anyanwu disregarded this endorsement and proceeded to the PDP National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, where he immediately resumed his duties. This incident marks the latest chapter in a series of events that have plunged the PDP into a state of internal discord. The party has been grappling with significant rifts, particularly regarding the position of National Secretary. The South East zone had put forward Ude-Okoye as a replacement for Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s candidate for the governorship election in Imo State. The situation escalated dramatically on January 27, 2025, when the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order mandating Anyanwu to retain his position until a final ruling from the Supreme Court. Tensions heightened further when Anyanwu's supporters forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from a Board of Trustees meeting, necessitating security intervention to restore order. The leadership crisis within the PDP has been further complicated by criticisms directed at Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, who succeeded Iyorchia Ayu following his court-ordered removal. The ongoing internal strife has raised concerns regarding the party's capacity to present a cohesive front in anticipation of the 2027 elections.