The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has deepened as the South East caucus has threatened a mass exodus if its nominee, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, is not recognised as the party’s national secretary. This warning came during a meeting of the South East Zonal Executive Committee held at the Government House in Enugu.
The meeting was convened in response to a directive from the party’s National Working Committee to nominate a candidate to complete the term of the national secretary. Zonal chairman Chief Ali Odefa, who read the communique, stated that the caucus had unanimously nominated Udeh-Okoye and expected immediate ratification by the party.
The statement expressed frustration that the nomination of Udeh-Okoye has been delayed repeatedly since October 2023. It urged the party to allow Arch. Setonji Koshoedo to continue in an acting capacity until the nomination is officially ratified by the National Executive Committee.
The caucus warned that if their position is not implemented, the South East PDP would reconsider its affiliation with the party. They pointed out the region’s longstanding loyalty to the PDP and its recent efforts in strengthening the party, including attracting former opposition figures in Enugu.
Dr. Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State and a key party leader in the region, called for unity in the zone, while other senior figures including PDP Board of Trustees chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara and former Imo governor Chief Achike Udenwa criticised what they see as the marginalisation of the region within the party. Wabara said the zone has been trampled upon and warned that continued disrespect could lead to a reevaluation of their loyalty.
Udenwa added that the region would no longer tolerate being taken for granted, stating they expect the matter to be resolved without further delay.
Meanwhile, staff at the PDP national secretariat have voiced support for Koshoedo, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged him as acting national secretary and continues to accept party correspondence signed by him. The staffers, while recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s past contributions, urged unity and prioritisation of the party’s collective interest.
