The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East has warned the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that it may leave the party if its chosen candidate, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, is not confirmed as National Secretary.
This warning followed a meeting held by the South East Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) at the Enugu State Government House on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The committee recalled that the Supreme Court had ruled on March 21 that the leadership of political parties is an internal matter, and should not be handled by the courts or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following this decision, the PDP Governors’ Forum met in April and suggested that the South East should put forward a name to complete the term of the National Secretary, which is zoned to the region.
The National Working Committee (NWC) agreed with this step during its meeting on April 29 and directed the South East PDP to recommend a candidate.
In line with that instruction, the ZEC reconvened and put forward Hon. Udeh-Okoye for the position.
Members of the committee said they had gone through this selection process several times without resolution.
They pointed out that Udeh-Okoye was first nominated in October 2023, and his name was reaffirmed in meetings held in February and January this year.
Despite these efforts, the matter still lingers.
They expressed concern that other zones do not face the same challenges when filling vacant national offices and warned that failure to confirm their nominee this time may force them to rethink their place in the PDP.
They said they have stood by the party for nearly 30 years, even during tough times, and have continued to attract members to the PDP.
According to the ZEC, Enugu State has seen strong gains for the PDP, including the return of the Labour Party’s governorship candidate and two federal lawmakers.
The party’s seats in the state assembly have also doubled.
They stressed the need for the NEC to act quickly on the issue to avoid further tension.
If the party fails to do so, the South East PDP may withdraw its support, which could weaken the party’s already fragile hold in the region.
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