posted 21st March 2025
Supreme Court Ruling Bolsters PDP, Affirms Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary
Abuja, 21 March 2025 – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed a landmark Supreme Court judgment that reaffirms the party’s autonomy in managing its internal leadership affairs, cementing Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye as its substantive National Secretary.
In a statement released today by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) welcomed the apex court’s ruling, which declared that matters concerning party leadership positions, including the role of National Secretary, fall solely within the PDP’s internal mechanisms and are beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
The Supreme Court’s decision brings to a close any lingering disputes over Udeh-Okoye’s appointment, confirming his position as the duly nominated and ratified National Secretary. The PDP described the judgment as a resounding endorsement of its constitutional processes and a triumph for democratic principles.
The leadership transition began in October 2023 when the NWC, during its 576th meeting on 11 October, instructed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This followed Anyanwu’s selection as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the November 2023 election in Imo State. In response, the South East Zonal Executive Committee convened on 20 October 2023 and resolved to nominate Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye, forwarding his name to the NWC for approval.
At its subsequent 577th meeting on 7 November 2023, the NWC exercised its authority under the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) to deliberate and approve Udeh-Okoye’s appointment. His emergence was later endorsed by key party bodies, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), the South East Zonal Caucus, and the PDP Governors’ Forum. The party also formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public of the decision.
“The judgment of the Supreme Court today emphatically settles the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP,” the statement read. “It reaffirms the standing position of the Party and underscores that such matters are entirely internal, requiring only the Party’s internal mechanisms.”
The PDP praised the Supreme Court for upholding the principle of party supremacy, calling the ruling a “victory for democracy.” The NWC urged all members to remain united and rally behind the leadership as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of future challenges.
The statement concluded with a call to action: “The NWC urges all patriotic members of the PDP to remain united as we work together to move our great Party forward.”
This ruling is seen as a significant boost for the PDP, reinforcing its internal cohesion and legal standing as it navigates Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
