By Charles Pemu 
As defections continue to hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the national leadership has appealed to its South East bloc not to leave the party over the ongoing dispute surrounding the position of National Secretary. The South East had threatened to quit if its nominee, Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye, is not recognized. The nomination was reaffirmed during a meeting in Enugu attended by Governor Peter Mbah and the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling, Senator Samuel Anyanwu insists he remains the party’s National Secretary. A reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been tasked with resolving the crisis ahead of the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27.
During a meeting in Abuja, acting PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, represented by Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, urged patience and unity, promising that the issue would be resolved fairly. Senator Osita Ngwu submitted a communiqué on behalf of the South East zone, appealing to the leadership to honor the region’s loyalty and back Ude-Okoye’s nomination.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba blamed the ongoing crisis on internal sabotage, external interference, and slow judicial processes, assuring that reconciliation efforts are ongoing.
The Senate Caucus of the PDP, led by Senator Abba Moro, dismissed claims of the party’s collapse, affirming that the PDP remains strong and committed to playing its role as a vibrant opposition. However, Atiku Abubakar’s camp argued that the leadership is not doing enough and urged the party to return to Atiku for direction, warning that continued defections may worsen without decisive action.