The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Monday as Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye declared himself the National Secretary of the party, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

Arriving at the PDP national headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Udeh-Okoye announced his takeover of the office, even as Senator Sam Anyanwu retained physical control of the space, with his personal belongings still in the office.

Addressing reporters, Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP, stated that his actions were in compliance with the appellate court ruling that affirmed him as the rightful replacement for Anyanwu.

He further noted that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had both acknowledged the judgment.

Meanwhile, sources revealed that Senator Anyanwu has not sought an order to stay the execution of the court’s judgment.

Although Anyanwu has remained silent, his loyalists described Udeh-Okoye’s claim as a “pipe dream.”

Last Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the party had received the judgment and would comply with the court order.

This followed an earlier failed attempt by some party leaders, including Ajibade, to suspend the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ikyas Damagum, and Anyanwu.

Responding to inquiries on Monday, Udeh-Okoye reiterated that his presence at the party headquarters was in line with the court’s ruling, which had been officially recognized by both the PDP and INEC.

Udeh-Okoye said: “The main reason why I am here is to resume office. I am resuming today, the 30th of December in obedience to the Appeal Court in Enugu that sacked the former National secretary and made me the national secretary of PDP.

“I came today to resume office and to also supervise the whole environment and make sure that things are in order. Yes, the staffs have gone for x-mas holiday to resume on 13th of January, where this place will be filled with our workers.

“I also appreciate the PDP Governors Forum that is giving me support, the Former ((PDP) Ministers’ Forum, the PDP BoT,members of the party, the leaders of the party from my zone (South East), who nominated and stood by me.

“Even though there are many challenges before, but the court has fixed it and made a pronouncement on December 20,” said Udehwho also disclosed that he was on his way to join an unscheduled meeting with other members of the PDP National Working Committee.”(Daily Sun)