Udeh-Okoye Resigns from PDP, Cites Loss of Party’s Moral Compass

Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned from the party, citing a decline in its core values and ideological direction.

In a resignation letter dated October 13 and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Udeh-Okoye expressed disappointment over what he described as the erosion of the party’s founding principles.

“This decision did not come lightly,” he wrote. “The PDP has been a key part of my political journey, offering me platforms to contest elections and serve the people. For these opportunities, I remain grateful.”

However, he noted that the party had strayed far from its original ideals of unity, justice, and equity.

“The PDP that once symbolized hope for democratic governance has lost its moral compass and ideological direction,” he stated. “After much contemplation, I have come to the solemn conclusion that I can no longer, in good conscience, remain within a system that has strayed so far from its original purpose.”

Udeh-Okoye added that he was embarking on a new, progressive path aimed at restoring the democratic values he believes the PDP has abandoned.

His resignation comes amid defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Udeh-Okoye, who represented Awgu North in the Enugu State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2017, served as PDP National Youth Leader from 2017 to 2021. He later became entangled in a protracted leadership tussle over the party’s national secretary position with Samuel Anyanwu.

The dispute intensified in 2023 when the South-East zonal leadership nominated Udeh-Okoye as national secretary after Anyanwu emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in Imo State. Although Udeh-Okoye received backing from PDP governors and the Board of Trustees, Anyanwu secured court injunctions to retain the position.

In December 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in Udeh-Okoye’s favour, dismissing the earlier judgment that upheld Anyanwu’s claim. However, Anyanwu appealed the decision and sought a stay of execution at the Supreme Court, which later held that the matter was an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention.

By April 2025, the PDP governors recommended Setonji Koshoedo to serve as acting national secretary, pending a resolution. Despite protests from South-East party members in May demanding Udeh-Okoye’s recognition, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) affirmed Anyanwu as the substantive secretary in June.

Udeh-Okoye’s exit from the party is seen as a significant blow to the PDP’s influence in the region and highlights the continuing internal crises that have plagued the opposition party.

Source; TheCable