PDP GOVERNORS REJECT ANYANWU, UDE-OKOYE FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT RULING — APPOINT KOSHOEDO AS ACTING NATIONAL SECRETARY

 In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Secretaryship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors elected under the party’s platform have formally distanced themselves from Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, reaffirming their opposition to their continued claim to the office.

As a result, the party has named the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, as Acting National Secretary pending the nomination of a substantive replacement from the South East geopolitical zone. This decision, endorsed by the PDP Governors’ Forum during its 2025/4th Meeting held in Ibadan, was conveyed through a communiqué delivered by Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The communiqué noted that Koshoedo's appointment would remain temporary until the South East submits a nominee for ratification by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) at its next sitting.

Furthermore, the Forum reinforced its stance against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that they have taken legal steps to challenge the move. They pledged unwavering support to Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the political turbulence rocking his administration.

Other major resolutions from the meeting included:

1. Rejection of Merger Speculations: The PDP Governors dismissed growing speculations of political party mergers, stating that while the party is open to individuals and groups seeking to join its platform, it would not merge with any other formation.

2. Security Concerns: The Forum raised alarm over rising insecurity in parts of the country, notably in Plateau, Borno, Edo, and Katsina States. They called for a review of national security architecture and urged for the inclusion of sub-national structures in the defense strategy.

3. NEC and Convention Plans: The Forum announced plans for a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025, and an early National Convention to hold in Kano from August 28–30, 2025. To this end, they proposed the constitution of Zoning and Convention Committees with the following composition:

Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri (Chairman), Gov. Dauda Lawal (Vice Chairman), Gov. Caleb Mutfwang (Secretary)

Convention Committee: Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman), Gov. Peter Mbah (Secretary)

4. Appreciation to Host: The governors expressed deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their warm hospitality during the meeting.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

1. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed – Bauchi State (Chairman)

2. Ademola Adeleke – Osun State

3. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Adamawa State

4. Seyi Makinde – Oyo State

5. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State

6. Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State

7. Agbu Kefas – Taraba State

8. Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi – Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State

9. Barr. Peter Mbah – Enugu State

10. Sir Monday Onyeme – Deputy Governor, Delta State

The meeting marks a pivotal moment in PDP’s internal repositioning as it strategizes towards 2027.