Is Wike Losing Grip on PDP? PDP NWC Dumps Anyanwu, Affirms Udeh Okoye as National Secretary

The PDP has confirmed Udeh Okoye as National Secretary, ending a fierce battle with Wike-backed Anyanwu. What does this mean for Wike’s control of the party? Read full details.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally affirmed Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, in what appears to be a major political upset for Rivers State Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his allies. This development marks a significant twist in the prolonged power struggle between Okoye and former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had the backing of Wike.

The NWC, in a resolution reached on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, stated that its decision was based on a Court of Appeal judgment in Enugu, which declared Udeh Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position. The committee also cited legal opinions from senior lawyers, including Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki SAN, and the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, as factors influencing the resolution.

This ruling is expected to send shockwaves across the PDP, as Wike, who had supported Anyanwu’s continued claim to the office, appears to be losing control over key party structures. Observers see this as yet another sign of Wike’s dwindling influence within the party, especially following his decision to join the APC-led federal government as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The battle for the position of PDP National Secretary has been a long and bitter one. Samuel Anyanwu, a former Imo governorship candidate, initially occupied the role but was embroiled in legal disputes over the legitimacy of his tenure. His rival, Udeh Okoye, took the battle to court, securing favorable rulings that have now culminated in his official recognition by the PDP leadership.

Despite these legal setbacks, Anyanwu, had continued to hold on to the position, leading to internal division within the party. This latest decision by the NWC is being interpreted as a clear sign that Anyanwu’s hold on power has finally slipped, leaving Wike’s faction weakened.

For years, Nyesom Wike has been a dominant force in PDP affairs, leveraging his influence to install loyalists in strategic positions. However, recent events suggest that his grip on the party may be loosening. The loss of the National Secretary position to Udeh Okoye, despite Wike’s backing of Anyanwu, is seen by many as a major political defeat.

The implications of this decision go beyond the party’s secretariat. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Wike’s diminishing influence in PDP raises questions about his long-term political relevance. Will he fight back, or is this the beginning of his political decline within the party?

The PDP NWC has commenced the process of transmitting its resolution affirming Udeh Okoye to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities for official recognition. This move effectively shuts down Anyanwu’s claims to the office and cements Okoye’s position as the substantive National Secretary.

While the NWC has commended party members for their loyalty and respect for the rule of law, political analysts argue that the decision reflects a shifting power dynamic within the PDP. As the party prepares for future elections, the fallout from this ruling will likely shape internal alliances and leadership structures in the months to come.