The South East zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demanding the ratification of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, citing the zone’s decision, PDP Constitution, and a valid court order. This call was made at a recent meeting of the South East Zonal Executive Committee and party leaders, with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa in attendance.
In a strongly worded communique, the party leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the perceived mistreatment of the South East by the PDP, emphasizing that the zone would not tolerate any further delays in the ratification process. Governor Peter Mbah stressed the importance of respecting the decisions taken in line with the party’s Constitution and electoral guidelines, highlighting the significance of the matter to PDP members in the South East.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, echoed these sentiments, expressing dismay over the alleged mistreatment of the Igbo people within the party. He underscored the need for a decisive and impactful resolution to address the perceived injustices faced by the South East zone.
The communique reiterated the zone’s earlier decision to disavow Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary, based on his failure to comply with the party’s Constitution regarding the resignation of elected national officers vying for elective office. It emphasized the nomination of S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye as the replacement National Secretary, citing both the party’s Constitution and a court ruling in support of this decision.
Furthermore, the party urged the National Working Committee, PDP Governors’ Forum, PDP Board of Trustees, PDP National Assembly Caucus, and all other stakeholders to recognize S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, emphasizing the importance of upholding the nomination made by the South East zone.
The communique was signed by a number of prominent party members including former governors Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, and Emeka Ihedioha, as well as former PDP National Chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Senate Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu.
The fervent demands of the South East PDP underscore the deep-seated issues within the party, reflecting a broader struggle for recognition and autonomy. As the tensions escalate, the resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly reverberate beyond the South East, impacting the internal dynamics of the PDP and potentially shaping its future trajectory.
