The political future of Senator Samuel Anyanwu appears uncertain as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a fresh leadership crisis.
Anyanwu, who is the PDP National Secretary, finds himself embroiled in a power tussle following the controversial proclamation of Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement.
Ude-Okoye, the former PDP National Youth Leader, arrived at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, asserting himself as the new National Secretary of the party.
His move comes after the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, upheld a ruling affirming his nomination as Anyanwu’s successor by the South East PDP.
The judgment, which stems from a 2023 decision of the Enugu High Court, has added to the growing uncertainty surrounding Anyanwu’s hold on his position.
The South East PDP had nominated Ude-Okoye as Anyanwu’s replacement after the latter emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 Imo State elections.
According to party leaders in the zone, Anyanwu automatically ceased to hold the position of National Secretary upon his nomination for the governorship race.
The recent court ruling has seemingly validated this stance, perhaps leaving Anyanwu in a precarious situation.
Despite Ude-Okoye’s bold declaration and arrival at the PDP headquarters, Anyanwu maintains that he remains the legitimate National Secretary.
He was quoted by the Daily Sun, to have described his removal as mere “social media propaganda,” claiming that he has filed an appeal against the court’s judgment and secured a stay of execution.
“I have a judgment that no one in PDP can send anything to INEC except me,” he stated.
However, Ude-Okoye’s actions signal a significant challenge to Anyanwu’s authority.
By physically entering the party’s national secretariat and asserting his right to the position, Ude-Okoye has intensified the leadership tussle.
Although Anyanwu still maintains physical control of the office, with his belongings intact, Ude-Okoye’s move has sparked speculation about the senator’s diminishing influence within the party.
The unfolding scenario highlights deeper cracks within the PDP’s leadership structure.
Party members and political analysts are closely watching to see whether the Court of Appeal’s judgment and Ude-Okoye’s assertive stance will undermine Anyanwu’s grip on power.
The conflict also raises questions about internal processes and the balance of power within the party, particularly in the South East zone.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu’s continued resistance to Ude-Okoye’s claim poses a legal and political dilemma for the PDP.