Fight breaks out at PDP BoT meeting

A physical altercation occurred at the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday as the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting was underway, triggered by a dispute over the position of National Secretary.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former PDP Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, who are both vying for the contested National Secretary role, clashed at the meeting.

Ude-Okoye, who arrived late at the meeting, was initially allowed to enter but was later forcibly removed by suspected thugs, leading to the scuffle.

The incident took place during the BoT meeting chaired by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara. As Ude-Okoye entered the room while Wabara was delivering his speech, he greeted the officials at the high table but notably excluded his rival, Anyanwu. Shortly after, he was escorted out by security personnel, leading to a heated exchange.

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Ude-Okoye, visibly agitated, called for his supporters to prevent his ejection. He was seen protesting outside the venue, alleging unfair treatment as Anyanwu’s supporters were allowed to enter the building, while his own were denied access.

The position of National Secretary has been a point of contention since Anyanwu left to contest the Imo governorship election, which he lost. The South East caucus of the PDP endorsed Ude-Okoye as a replacement, but Anyanwu has contested the move. In December 2024, an Appeal Court ruling upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment, but Anyanwu has since filed for a Stay of Execution and Appeal, escalating the crisis within the party.

At the time of this report, the meeting was in closed session, and Ude-Okoye remained outside the building.