Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has emphasized the necessity for internal reconciliation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party faces a legal tussle between S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu over the position of National Secretary.


The contention arose following a Court of Appeal decision in December 2024, which upheld a High Court ruling that removed Anyanwu from the National Secretary position, citing his nomination as the PDP's gubernatorial candidate in Imo State during the 2023 elections as a violation of the party's constitution.

Subsequently, Udeh-Okoye was appointed to serve the remainder of Anyanwu's term.Despite the court's decision, Anyanwu has challenged his removal, seeking a stay of execution, with the case now pending before the Supreme Court.

This dispute has led to internal friction, exemplified by a recent incident where a pro-Anyanwu PDP official reportedly barred Udeh-Okoye from attending a National Working Committee meeting.

Governor Diri has urged party members to prioritize unity and resolve internal conflicts to strengthen the PDP's position nationally. He highlighted the importance of addressing internal challenges over attributing blame to external factors, asserting that no individual should supersede the party's collective interest.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised the court to refrain from intervening in the ongoing legal battle, acknowledging the judiciary's role in resolving internal party disputes.

As the PDP navigates this internal conflict, leaders like Governor Diri continue to advocate for reconciliation and unity to ensure the party's resilience and effectiveness in Nigeria's political landscape.