PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens as Factions Clash Over National Secretary Position

January 13, 2025

2 minutes read

PDP

The leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to escalate as factions remain adamant over who occupies the office of the National Secretary. The impasse has led to rising tensions and a potential showdown at the party’s national secretariat.

In a dramatic turn of events, two individuals, Samuel Okoye and Ibrahim Abdullahi, are laying claim to the position. While Okoye’s camp cites a court judgment affirming his role, Abdullahi’s group insists that his appointment by the National Working Committee (NWC) stands. Both parties have vowed to resume duties at the party headquarters today, January 15, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.

The conflict stems from a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared Okoye the legitimate National Secretary following the removal of the former scribe, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Okoye has received backing from key party members, including the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, who urged the NWC to comply with the court’s judgment to prevent further division. Wabara warned against actions that could undermine the party’s unity, emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial rulings.

However, Abdullahi’s camp argues that the court ruling does not invalidate his appointment, as it was a collective decision by the NWC to fill a perceived vacancy. Supporters claim his selection followed due process and reflects the will of the party’s leadership. Abdullahi himself has expressed determination to fulfill his mandate, dismissing calls for his removal as politically motivated.

The standoff has sparked concerns among party faithful, with many warning that the crisis could derail the PDP’s efforts to reposition itself ahead of upcoming elections. Insiders reveal that both factions have mobilized supporters to the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja, raising fears of potential violence or disruption.

Meanwhile, calls for reconciliation are growing louder. Some stakeholders have urged the party to convene an emergency meeting to resolve the impasse and restore unity. Analysts note that the PDP’s ability to manage internal disputes will be crucial for its future prospects, particularly as it seeks to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

As the two secretaries prepare to resume duties today, all eyes are on the party’s leadership to see how they navigate this deepening crisis. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s cohesion and credibility in the political landscape.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Trump

U.S. Hosts Five West and Central African Leaders in Strategic Summit

The United States is hosting a landmark two-day summit at the White House, beginning Wednesday, ...

West Africa

West African Cocoa Output Set to Drop 10% in 2025/26 Season

West African cocoa production is projected to decline by 10% in the 2025/26 season, extending ...

Kenya

Kenya Protests Intensify as Ruto Faces ‘Ruto Wantam’ Cry

Protesters in Kenya have taken to the streets this week, facing police batons, water cannons, ...

UNOC

UNOC Seeks Partner for Kasuruban Exploration Block

The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is actively seeking a joint venture partner to assist ...

Features

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Trailblazing African American Poet Who Defied Oppression

Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneer in Black Literature and Poetry Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking poet ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 10th is the day in 1877 that the then-villa of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico formally receives its city charter from the Royal Crown of Spain.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.6962
GH Ghana Cedi10.4
GM Gambian Dalasi71.5
GN Guinea Franc8,668.68
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,528
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.778
10 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 10 Jul 2025 03:05 UTC
Latest change: 10 Jul 2025 03:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?