The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary of the party. This decision was made in compliance with a ruling from the Court of Appeal, which the party received on Tuesday. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesman, made the announcement while addressing journalists at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Ologunagba explained that the party had received the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which affirmed Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary of the PDP. He emphasized that the party was committed to adhering to the court’s ruling in full, as part of their respect for the rule of law. “I’m sure you know the background to all the cases where we have two cases, two orders and then there was the Court of Appeal,” Ologunagba said.
He continued, “And on 24th of December, 2024, after consultation with the legal adviser, the office of the legal adviser, it was confirmed that we have received the judgment of the two appeals affirming Rt. Hon S.K.E Ude-Okoye as the national secretary of the party.” Ologunagba made it clear that the party, being a law-abiding organization, would fully comply with the court’s ruling, which he described as the highest legal decision on the matter. He further assured that the PDP would take all necessary steps to ensure that the legal judgment is properly implemented, reinforcing the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
This declaration effectively puts an end to the claims made by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had also laid claim to the position of National Secretary. Ude-Okoye, in recent statements, had asserted his position as the National Secretary, referencing the favorable judgment from the Court of Appeal. This decision followed a significant ruling by the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, on December 20, 2024, which upheld the Enugu High Court’s judgment that had affirmed Ude-Okoye’s nomination as the replacement for Anyanwu.
The affirmation by the Court of Appeal marks a crucial moment in the PDP’s internal leadership disputes, formally recognizing Ude-Okoye’s status as the party’s National Secretary and resolving the leadership conflict surrounding the position.
