The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a major crisis as a leadership struggle over key positions has caused deep divisions within the party. This ongoing conflict has led to physical altercations, accusations of mismanagement, and tensions between various factions.

The root of the crisis lies in a bitter fight for the National Secretary position. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had temporarily stepped down from the role to run for Imo State governorship, is now in conflict with Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye. Udeh-Okoye has been declared the rightful National Secretary after winning a court ruling, but Anyanwu refuses to accept the judgment, claiming that his appeal is still pending.

This leadership dispute has divided the PDP’s South-East region, with rival groups backing either Anyanwu or Udeh-Okoye, further fueling the party’s internal crisis.

The situation took a violent turn during the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. Udeh-Okoye arrived at the meeting, claiming his position as National Secretary, but Anyanwu soon followed, challenging this. Tensions escalated quickly, and Udeh-Okoye was dragged out by suspected thugs as chaos unfolded.

Security forces, including military and police, were called to restore order as the situation became increasingly tense.

Amid the ongoing crisis, both factions have pointed fingers at each other. Acting PDP Chairman, Umar Damagum, accused party leaders of exacerbating the conflict instead of resolving it. He emphasized the need for unity in the face of mounting challenges and warned that the party’s credibility was at risk.

On the other hand, BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed frustration over the failure of the National Working Committee (NWC) to address the internal conflicts. He stressed that personal ambitions must not overshadow the party’s collective interests.

The PDP BoT has taken steps to resolve the ongoing leadership disputes. A committee, led by Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has been set up to mediate between the factions and report back with a solution. The party is also preparing for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025, where it hopes to address the crisis and chart a way forward.

In response to accusations from PDP leaders, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied claims of intentionally sowing discord within the opposition party. APC spokesperson, Felix Morka, stated that the PDP’s internal problems were their own doing and that the party was collapsing due to poor management.

Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) rejected allegations that it had received financial support from the APC, emphasizing that it remained committed to its values.