The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kamorudeen Ajibade (SAN), has endorsed the report of the Dr. Tanimu Turaki-led committee, which recognized Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the party.
In a legal opinion submitted to Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, Ajibade upheld the committee’s findings, emphasizing that the process adhered to legal precedents and the party’s constitution.
Ajibade cautioned that any attempt to revisit the matter would not only undermine the authority of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) but could also escalate tensions within the party.
His stance was in response to a request from Damagum, who sought his legal opinion on the issue amid multiple court litigations.
“In light of various litigations from different courts, kindly review all submissions from the committees established by the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) to provide a legal opinion that will guide us in making an informed decision,” Damagum stated in an internal memo to Ajibade dated February 6, 2025.
The controversy over the National Secretary position arose between Senator Anyanwu and Hon. Udeh-Okoye, both claiming the office. Amid conflicting legal claims and court rulings, the PDP BoT took it upon itself to resolve the dispute.
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This effort followed an earlier proclamation by the PDP Governors’ Forum, which backed Udeh-Okoye for the post.
The BoT mandated the Turaki-led committee to review all legal documents concerning the dispute and provide an informed position.
As part of its inquiry, the committee invited both contenders to submit certified documents and court judgments supporting their claims. Udeh-Okoye presented rulings from the Enugu State High Court and the Court of Appeal in Enugu, while Anyanwu relied on an Abuja Court of Appeal order regarding a stay of execution.
After an extensive review, the Turaki committee concluded that Udeh-Okoye’s claim was legally sound. The BoT subsequently adopted the report, officially recognizing him as the rightful National Secretary.
In his legal opinion, Ajibade aligned with the BoT’s resolution, arguing that the committee’s decision was based on legal facts and procedural fairness.
He emphasized that both contenders had voluntarily submitted to the committee’s authority and should, therefore, abide by its conclusions.
“The contending parties, having willingly submitted themselves to the authority of the committee led by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN, should be honorable enough to abide by the outcome of the legal opinion/advice stemming from the proceedings they unreservedly consented to,” Ajibade stated.
He further noted that the Turaki-led committee had acted within its mandate and had followed due process in arriving at its recommendation.
Additionally, he referenced Article 32(5) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which grants the BoT the authority to intervene in party disputes and issue binding resolutions.
Ajibade warned that revisiting the legal opinion would not only create further instability but also weaken the party’s ability to enforce internal resolutions.
“Calling for a review of the said legal opinion/advice at this stage is not only improper but will undermine the efforts of the BoT, increase existing tensions, and worsen volatility within the party, which may be difficult to contain,” he added.
With the legal adviser’s endorsement, the PDP leadership is now expected to move forward with Udeh-Okoye as the recognized National Secretary, barring any fresh legal or political challenges.
This resolution could help stabilize the party’s leadership structure ahead of future elections.
However, the decision may not sit well with Anyanwu’s camp, which could still explore further legal options.
For now, the PDP leadership appears to be aligning behind the BoT-backed decision, signaling an attempt to put an end to the lingering dispute over the National Secretary position.
A top party source, speaking with Nigerian Tribune on Monday, warned that further court rulings or political maneuvers could test the party’s ability to enforce internal discipline and maintain unity.
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