The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a critical situation as leaders from the South East region threaten a mass exit from the party, sparked by ongoing disputes regarding the position of National Secretary. This escalating crisis unfolded during a recent Zonal Executive Committee meeting, signaling potential turmoil ahead for the party.
In October 2023, South East PDP leaders nominated Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye to fill the vacant National Secretary position, previously held by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who left to pursue the governorship in Imo State. The nomination was backed by the party’s constitution, asserting that Anyanwu could not reclaim his former role.
Contrarily, Anyanwu, supported by various party affiliates including the Federal Capital Territory Minister, contends that nothing within the PDP Constitution explicitly prevents his return post-election defeat.
This dispute led to a Supreme Court ruling designating the matter an internal party issue, falling outside judicial jurisdiction. However, animosities persist, and the need for resolution is more pressing than ever.
During the recent South East ZEC meeting, attended by prominent PDP figures, the consensus was clear: the region demands action. Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa emphasized the necessity for swift recognition of Udeh-Okoye’s nomination to ensure unity and stability within the party.
The ZEC’s communique reiterated that the South East has remained a loyal PDP stronghold since the party’s inception, while expressing frustration over the prolonged vacancy that has not faced similar delays in other regions. They urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to endorse their nominee promptly to preserve the party’s integrity.
As the situation evolves, the South East PDP’s ultimatum makes clear that failure to act may compel the region to reevaluate its allegiance to a party it has historically supported.
The implications are significant: should the South East withdraw its support, it could spell trouble for the PDP, given the region’s historical role as a voting powerhouse. From past elections, the South East has consistently delivered substantial votes for the party, despite experiencing setbacks and resentment towards perceived neglect by national leadership.
Recent elections highlight a shift in voter sentiment, with the 2023 presidential election reflecting a protest against the exclusion of the region from key candidacies. Now, as the PDP wrestles with internal strife and potential discontent, its future in the South East hangs in the balance.
As party leaders articulate their grievances, they underscore a growing narrative that demands attention from the national leadership. Failure to address these concerns may lead the PDP to face its most significant challenge yet in maintaining its foundational support from the South East.
