PDP Headquarters Roiled by Brawl During BOT Meeting
Abuja, Nigeria – A heated altercation erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters Wednesday, disrupting a meeting of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT). The fracas stemmed from a dispute over the party's national secretary position, with two rival claimants, Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, at the center of the conflict.
The dispute dates back to December 2024, when the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye, ordering his replacement of Anyanwu as national secretary. Ude-Okoye's nomination followed his candidacy for governor in Imo State in 2023. However, Anyanwu had obtained court injunctions barring his removal. The Court of Appeal overturned these injunctions, paving the way for Ude-Okoye's claim.
Despite the legal decision, Anyanwu, according to sources, appealed the ruling and sought a stay of execution at the Supreme Court on the same day as the appeal court's verdict. Ude-Okoye, meanwhile, has been asserting his position as national secretary.
Wednesday's meeting was attended by PDP chairman Umar Damagum and BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara. Anyanwu was present at the start of the BoT meeting, but Ude-Okoye arrived later and was denied entry by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a protocol officer and aide to Anyanwu. Ude-Okoye's attempt to force his way into the meeting resulted in clashes between his supporters and the party's security personnel.
Ude-Okoye's supporters scaled the fence, overpowering security personnel who were attempting to block their leader's entry. The situation briefly escalated, with security personnel struggling to maintain order. Ude-Okoye remains outside the BoT meeting hall, accompanied by his supporters.
The PDP headquarters is now heavily secured with increased police and military presence. The ongoing dispute and the brawl continue to cast a shadow over the party's leadership crisis.