In a bold move to stabilize internal party dynamics and reassert regional influence, the South-East zonal executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its trust in Sunday Udeh-Okoye by re-nominating him as the party’s national secretary. This decision was unveiled in Abuja, where Senate Minority Leader Osita Ngwu presented the zone’s unanimous resolution to the party’s Acting National Working Committee (NWC).
Ngwu, who served as the voice of the region’s collective will, recalled how various organs and power blocs within the PDP—including the Governors’ Forum—have labored to resolve the long-standing dispute over the position. He referenced a critical Supreme Court judgment that prompted a reconciliation meeting in Oyo State on April 14. The resolution from that gathering, which empowered the South-East to fill the slot, was later endorsed by the NWC.
The zonal committee, rising from a meeting held at the Enugu Government House on May 14, expressed absolute confidence in Udeh-Okoye’s leadership and capacity to bring cohesion to the party.
“We are asking you to look at a zone that has been the backdrop and backbone of the PDP,” Ngwu said passionately, “a zone that has delivered all National Assembly members and governors to the PDP in the past. A zone that is eager to redeem its past glory.”
Ngwu’s call was more than administrative—it was emotional, a plea laced with history, loyalty, and a desire for redemption. “We are praying that the request of this zone should not be jeopardised… Let it be a stepping stone in our drive to reposition our party,” he added.
Umar Damagum, the party’s acting national chairman, who received the delegation, assured stakeholders that their resolution would be deliberated upon and forwarded to the National Executive Committee at its meeting scheduled for May 27.
Addressing concerns raised by party loyalists in the South-East, Damagum painted the PDP as a home worth rebuilding, not abandoning.
“I understand why you are not happy,” he said, “but even as you are angry out there, we can find a solution. It’s like a landlord running out of his own house because the house is leaking.”
Reiterating the PDP’s unique culture of tolerance and open dialogue, Damagum stated, “PDP is the only party where you can feel peaceful; you can express your opinion… I’m quite sure PDP will overcome.”
With Udeh-Okoye’s re-nomination and Damagum’s reassuring tone, the PDP appears set on a path of reconciliation and strategic reinvention—especially in the politically pivotal South-East, a region long regarded as a stronghold for the party.