The management and staff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat have thrown their weight behind Arch. Setonji Koshoedo as the Acting National Secretary, urging unity to resolve the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the staff expressed concern over the protracted disputes surrounding the office of the National Secretary, which they said threatened the party’s stability and credibility. The crisis began after Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the former National Secretary, contested and won the PDP’s gubernatorial ticket for Imo State in 2023.
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The South East Zonal Chapter subsequently nominated Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as his replacement, sparking legal battles that escalated to the Supreme Court. On March 21, 2025, the apex court ruled that the matter was an internal party affair, invalidating earlier court judgments that had favored Udeh-Okoye.
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary, to act in the role pending a substantive appointment. The staff affirmed their loyalty to this decision, stating it aligns with Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution and is critical for restoring confidence in the party’s internal processes.
The statement also dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had rejected Koshoedo’s authority, confirming that INEC had acknowledged his correspondence as Acting National Secretary.
While acknowledging Anyanwu’s contributions to the party, the staff emphasized the need for sacrifice to safeguard the PDP’s unity. They called on the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, to ensure the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting holds on May 27, 2025, to address outstanding issues.
The press release was endorsed by 43 supervisory staff members of the PDP National Secretariat, underscoring their collective commitment to the party’s values of justice, unity, and progress.
