The Enugu State Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party has lauded the Supreme Court for upholding Rt. Hon. Udeh Okoye’s position as the National Secretary of the party.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Enugu State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Uche Obute, emphasized that Okoye’s nomination, endorsement, and ratification adhered strictly to the party’s constitutional processes.
The statement highlighted that Okoye’s emergence had received approval from several key organs of the PDP, including the Board of Trustees, South East Zonal Caucus, and the PDP Governors’ Forum. It had also been duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the general public.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling affirms that leadership positions within the party are internal matters requiring only the decision of the party’s internal mechanisms, over which the courts have no jurisdiction,” the statement read.
Providing further context, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, explained that the National Working Committee, at its 576th meeting on October 11, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the November 2023 Imo State election.
Following this directive, the South East Zonal Executive Committee convened on October 20, 2023, where it approved and forwarded the nomination of Rt. Hon. Udeh Okoye to the NWC for the role of National Secretary.
Subsequently, the NWC, at its 577th meeting on November 7, 2023, deliberated, accepted, and ratified Okoye’s appointment in line with its constitutional powers.
The Enugu PDP leadership described the Supreme Court’s verdict as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of party supremacy in internal affairs. They urged all members of the party to remain united and committed to strengthening the PDP.
“We commend the leadership of the PDP, especially the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BOT), and the Governors’ Forum, for their commitment to upholding democratic principles within the party,” the statement read.
The State Working Committee also expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his leadership in maintaining party stability in the South East.
Reaffirming its commitment to deepening democracy, the party vowed to continue working towards strengthening the PDP and advancing its objectives.