The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as a leadership dispute over the party’s National Secretary position led to a heated physical altercation at the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, was meant to address key party issues, but tensions flared when two rival factions clashed over the contested role of National Secretary.
The scuffle broke out when Sunday Ude-Okoye, the PDP’s former National Youth Leader and a contender for the National Secretary position, arrived late at the meeting.
Although initially allowed in, he was later forcefully removed by suspected political thugs, an action that escalated into a heated confrontation.
His rival, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who previously held the National Secretary position before contesting the Imo governorship election, has been locked in a battle to reclaim the role despite a court ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye in December 2024.

Eyewitnesses reported that as Ude-Okoye entered the meeting, he greeted the officials but deliberately snubbed Anyanwu. Moments later, security personnel attempted to escort him out of the venue, triggering protests from his supporters, who accused the PDP leadership of bias.
The PDP’s South East caucus had earlier endorsed Ude-Okoye as the replacement for Anyanwu, following his loss in the Imo governorship race.
However, Anyanwu has continued to challenge the decision, securing a Stay of Execution while pursuing an appeal against the court ruling that upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment.
The brawl at the BoT meeting is the latest evidence of the deep divisions within the opposition party, raising concerns about PDP’s internal stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the meeting had gone into a closed-door session, with Ude-Okoye still protesting outside the PDP headquarters over what he described as “an orchestrated attempt to silence legitimate voices within the party.”
The incident underscored the growing factionalism within the PDP, which has struggled to maintain unity since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Analysts warn that if unresolved, the ongoing power struggle could further weaken the party’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in future elections.

With the National Secretary position still unresolved, all eyes are now on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the courts to determine the next steps in this escalating leadership crisis.

A major legal battle was averted on Tuesday as the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti struck out the defamation case against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following an intervention by prominent traditional rulers.
The case, which had drawn significant public attention, was filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, after Farotimi’s remarks in an interview allegedly defamed renowned legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola. The comments were linked to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
While the legal proceedings were ongoing, a behind-the-scenes negotiation led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, alongside other influential monarchs in Ekiti State, played a pivotal role in resolving the matter.
Following a midnight meeting, Afe Babalola agreed to withdraw his complaint, paving the way for the discontinuation of the case.
During the court session on Tuesday, the prosecution, represented by Mr. Samson Osobu, formally requested that the case be struck out, citing the nominal complainant’s decision to discontinue legal action.
The defense, led by senior lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the request.
Justice Babs Kuewumi subsequently ruled in favor of the discontinuance, striking out the case and bringing an end to what could have been a prolonged legal confrontation.
The case highlighted the influential role of traditional rulers in dispute resolution, particularly in delicate legal matters involving high-profile individuals. By leveraging their cultural and moral authority, these leaders facilitated an amicable settlement outside the courtroom.
For Farotimi, a vocal advocate of human rights and judicial reforms, this development is likely to reinforce his stance on Nigeria’s legal system, while also demonstrating the power of dialogue over litigation in resolving conflicts.
With this legal hurdle behind him, it remains to be seen how Farotimi will navigate future engagements in the public sphere.
Meanwhile, the intervention of traditional rulers continues to affirm their relevance in Nigeria’s evolving socio-political landscape.

The Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese Right Reverend Dr. Duke Akamisoko has charged Nigerians to remain obidient and committed in their serve to God and humanity irrespective of the daunting economy challenges in the country.

The Bishop spoke at the Confirmation and enrollment of Women into Mothers Union,Women’s Guild and Admission of Girls Guild and induction into Christian Men’s Fellowship held at the
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Federal Housing Lugbe Abuja.

The Bishop admonished Nigerians not to allow the hardship in the country to dampen their faith in God.
“Trust in Gid, believe in God and have faith that all will be well while doing your best through hard work and prayers. The time will be challenging but the word of God is till the same and God is still on the throne to bless his people who are committed and obedient to him”

Bishop Akamisoko urged the newly confirmed and inductees to live up to their vows. “We started on Friday with a revival. Raboteur which means restoration, joy and blessings of God upon our lives. The charge is for them to go and and live the Christian life. Be committed, faithful and keep the convenant they have made today before the Almighty God in this unique and special service”

In his sermon at the service ,Ven Barr. Tunde Oyeshino called on Christian faithful to always seek God’s presence,favour and blessings. ” Despite the difficulty, God still have plans for his children and we as God’s children must believe and trust in the word of God. Having believed that trust in the word of God, we must equally be hard working and we must be consistent in our service to God for these are the avenues where plans and purposes of God can come to pass”

The supervising priest, federal House Archdeaconry Ven. Adamu Sabi advised faithful to cultivate the attitude of positive mindset in their endeavours.
“This year for is a year of expansion, to overcome every limitation before us. It is for us to continue to expand despite the limitation forced by the economy or whatever it is that may come before us.”

The service was spiced up with special thanksgiving as over 150 faithfuls were enrolled , confirmed and inducted into various organs of the the church in the Dioces.

Ndubueze Chidoka.