Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East have rejected the legitimacy of a recent meeting held at the Enugu State Government House, describing it as a political charade with no binding effect on the party’s affairs.
Meeting in Abuja, the stakeholders accused the convener, Chief Ali Odefa, of lacking the authority to speak or act on behalf of the zone, insisting that he is no longer the recognized National Vice Chairman (South East) of the party.
According to Chidiebere Egwu — who was nominated by the Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP to replace Odefa following his suspension and subsequent expulsion — the Enugu gathering was a “nullity.” He reaffirmed the group’s backing for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary of the PDP.
The PDP in the South East has been mired in a leadership tussle between Senator Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Ude Okoye, with the Odefa-led group backing Okoye, while Egwu’s camp supports Anyanwu. The situation intensified following Odefa’s expulsion by his ward executives in Ebonyi, a decision upheld by a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.
The Abuja meeting brought together several prominent South East PDP figures, including former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Senators Michael Amah Nnachi and Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, Hon. Jones Onyeriri, Zonal Legal Adviser Barr. Ukpai Ukairo, Organising Secretary Rt. Hon. Mike Ahumibe, and PDP state chairmen from Imo and Abia, among others.
In a strongly worded communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders:
- Reaffirmed Senator Anyanwu as the legally recognized National Secretary, citing a Supreme Court ruling and confirmation by INEC.
- Dismissed the Enugu meeting as an effort to sabotage the reconciliation drive initiated by the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led committee.
- Demanded immediate congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states to constitute valid State Working Committees.
- Called for contempt proceedings to be initiated against Odefa for defying court orders.
They emphasized that any attempt to sideline Senator Anyanwu would have severe consequences for the party, warning that INEC would not recognize actions — including congresses or primaries — not endorsed by the lawful National Secretary.
“The PDP is a political party that evolved on the altar of constitutional democracy,” the communiqué read. “Respect for the rule of law is not optional. We call on the Board of Trustees and Governors Forum to align with the clear legal position confirming Senator Anyanwu’s status.”
The group also condemned any directive seeking to empower the Deputy National Secretary to act in place of Anyanwu, stressing that the PDP Constitution only allows such substitution in the National Secretary’s absence — which, they argue, is not the case.
They concluded by urging the party leadership to uphold the rule of law and support Saraki’s reconciliatory efforts, warning that ignoring judicial pronouncements would further deepen internal divisions ahead of critical electoral engagements.
