By Steve Oko

A pro-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group, PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, has urged the embattled National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and his supporters to blame his “greed for power” rather than the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, or PDP governors for his political challenges.

The group’s response came through a statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Mr. Ikpegbu Yellow, a former commissioner of the Abia State Oil Producing Development Commission (ASOPADEC).

The statement addressed Anyanwu’s accusations against Wabara and PDP governors, whom he blamed for inviting Chief Sunday Ude-Okoye to the party’s BoT meeting last week in Abuja.

According to the group, PDP’s constitution must be respected without exception. Anyanwu’s alleged grievances stem from his attempt to hold onto the position of National Secretary after contesting the Imo State governorship election, a move that contravenes the party’s rules.

The statement read in part: “The Constitution of PDP is sacrosanct, and party members and officials cannot choose which provisions to obey. The constitution clearly states that if a political appointee or party officer desires to contest an election, they must resign or vacate their office.

“When Sam Anyanwu contested the Imo State governorship election, he automatically vacated his position as National Secretary. Resignation can be by conduct or inference; it is not mandatory to write a resignation letter.”

The group highlighted that the South East Zone of PDP selected Ude-Okoye as Anyanwu’s replacement, as mandated by the party’s constitution.

They dismissed Anyanwu’s claims of writing a leave application to the Acting Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Damagun, to contest the election.

“The PDP constitution does not permit a leave application for an officer seeking to vacate office for an election. Such a request is illegitimate and has no legal basis.”

The group further argued that Anyanwu’s claim of a Court of Appeal stay of execution lacked substance.

“Filing an appeal or seeking a stay of execution does not automatically nullify a court judgment, especially in declaratory cases. Ude-Okoye became the National Secretary from the moment the Court of Appeal in Enugu Division ruled in his favor. Therefore, the status quo to be maintained is that Ude-Okoye remains the National Secretary of PDP.”

The group commended Senator Wabara and PDP governors for their adherence to the court judgment and constitutional provisions.

“The former Senate President and BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, acted responsibly by inviting Ude-Okoye to the meeting. The unanimous acceptance of Ude-Okoye as National Secretary by PDP governors vindicates Wabara’s action.”

The group urged Anyanwu to desist from unwarranted attacks on party leaders and respect the party’s constitution.