Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has declared that the forces supporting the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, are not stronger than the South-East Caucus of the party. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Udenwa reaffirmed the South-East Caucus’s backing of Sunday Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.
Udenwa criticized the committee led by Senate President Bukola Saraki for recognizing Anyanwu, insisting that Anyanwu’s tenure ended when he decided to contest the Imo State governorship election. “Anyawu gave up his position as National Secretary when he opted to run for governor. It is the South-East Caucus’s prerogative to present another candidate,” he stated.
He emphasized that the South-East zonal executive committee has nominated Ude-Okoye multiple times, but their recommendations have been ignored. “If our presentation is being turned down, it means nobody wants us to make presentations again. We have made our position very clear,” Udenwa said.
Addressing the influence of key party figures, Udenwa dismissed claims that former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike or others have powers that override the zonal caucus. “Wike is a member of the party and a former governor, but his power does not equate to that of the South-East Caucus,” he said. “The party has a constitution, and no individual can override the decisions of a zonal caucus.”
Udenwa’s remarks highlight the deepening crisis within the PDP over the National Secretary position and underscore the South-East Caucus’s insistence on respecting party structures and zoning arrangements.
