Political contenders engaged in fisticuffs Wednesday at the National headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abuja, at a meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees.
The fight began when Sunday Ude-Okoye, a prominent party figure, was denied entry to the meeting.
The PDP is facing a new leadership dispute, as both Samuel Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye claim the position of national secretary.
In December 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ude-Okoye should replace Anyanwu as the PDP national secretary.
However, Anyanwu obtained multiple court orders to block his removal from office.
Anyanwu filed an appeal against the judgment confirming his ousting and also sought a stay of execution at the Supreme Court on the same day the Appeal Court ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye.
At the start of the meeting on Wednesday, Anyanwu was present, but Ude-Okoye arrived a few minutes later and was denied access.
Ude-Okoye tried to force his way in but was blocked by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a protocol officer for the party and aide to Anyanwu.
Supporters of Ude-Okoye then scaled the fence surrounding the secretariat and overpowered Okoronkwo and others who had prevented his entry into the meeting hall.
Security personnel initially faced difficulty in maintaining order at the party’s secretariat.
Among those attending the meeting were Adolphus Wabara, the BoT chairman and Umar Damagum, the PDP chairman.
Ude-Okoye is currently outside the BoT meeting hall, accompanied by his supporters.
Crediblenewsng.com
