Former PDP National Secretary, Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh‑Okoye has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, asserting that it has abandoned the founding principles that once gave it meaning and purpose.

In a resignation letter dated October 13, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Udeh‑Okoye said he arrived at the decision after “deep reflection and careful consideration.”

He lamented that the party he once believed in “strayed far from the ideals of its founding fathers.”

“PDP once stood for hope, democracy, accountability, and genuine service to the people. Today, it has lost its moral direction,” he wrote.

Udeh‑Okoye, who previously served as PDP National Youth Leader and as a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, declared his intention to pursue a path devoted to restoring democratic values and public accountability, principles he argues have been neglected.

His departure comes at a time of intense internal turbulence within the PDP, especially over leadership legitimacy.

The party has been mired in conflict following the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, a move Udeh‑Okoye strongly contested.

Earlier in 2025, a Court of Appeal recognized Udeh‑Okoye as the rightful National Secretary, only for the Supreme Court to later rule that leadership disputes within political parties are matters internal to the party and not subject to judicial adjudication.

This left both Udeh‑Okoye and Anyanwu laying claim to the same post.

In April, PDP governors recommended that a Deputy National Secretary temporarily fill the role until a permanent appointment could be made from the South East Zone.

Despite this, Anyanwu resumed operations at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja in October, deepening the schism.

When contacted, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, downplayed the resignation, asserting that Senator Anyanwu’s current responsibilities are limited to administrative oversight, such as logistics and facility matters.

Hon. Raymond Ugwu, the member representing Enugu East Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has officially dumped the Labour Party (LP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking exclusively to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, Hon. Ugwu said his decision was largely influenced by Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership style, which he described as transformative and progressive.

“Governor Mbah’s governance approach is practical, people-centered and focused on real development. As someone elected to serve my constituents, I can no longer remain in a party that is not aligned with the direction I believe Enugu should go. I’m joining him in this journey for the good of our state,” Ugwu stated.

He also cited internal crises, persistent infighting and ongoing litigations within the Labour Party as major reasons for his decision to seek a new political home.

Hon. Ugwu, who was elected on the LP platform in 2023, told DAILY GAZETTE that he consulted with critical stakeholders and constituents before making the switch.

He insists his defection is in the best interest of his people.

“This is about effective governance and being on the side of progress. Enugu deserves leaders who are not afraid to make bold choices,” he added.

Efforts to reach the Labour Party leadership in Enugu for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

In a dramatic political turn, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, has resigned from the party and is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, DAILY GAZETTE can authoritatively report.

Dr. Chukwunweike, a former commissioner for health and long-standing figure in the PDP ’s dominance in Enugu State, confirmed his resignation in a statement on Monday morning.

Detail shortly…

A major political shake-up is unfolding in Enugu State. 23 out of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly have declared their full support for Governor Peter Mbah’s move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), DAILY GAZETTE reports.

Only one lawmaker is holding out. Hon. Harrison Ogara, who represents the Igbo-Eze South state Constituency.

Ogara, a member of the Labour Party, has chosen to remain with his party, for now, in what appears to be a sweeping realignment of political loyalties across the state.

Sources within the Assembly told DAILY GAZETTE that the lawmakers’ decision was not sudden, but the result of weeks of closed-door consultations and high-level political manoeuvring.

One of the lawmakers, who asked not to be named, said the governor’s leadership style, particularly his focus on infrastructural development and economic reform, has inspired renewed confidence among legislators.

“Governor Mbah has shown capacity. What we’re doing is aligning with progress, not just playing politics,” the lawmaker said.

Official statements from the defecting members are expected on Tuesday.

“This is unprecedented. In a state like Enugu, which has long been dominated by opposition parties, seeing 23 lawmakers cross over to the ruling party signals a political earthquake,” another Assembly member added.

For now, Ogara remains the lone figure holding out, a solitary voice in a chamber that has overwhelmingly embraced the governor’s new direction.

Whether he can withstand the political pressure in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

Governor Mbah is expected to make the switch official on Tuesday.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is preparing to submit a fresh list of commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly, following the lifting of emergency rule in the state.

Meanwhile, eight existing commissioners will be retained despite court rulings that necessitated cabinet changes.

Sources in Government House, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the retained commissioners include: Dr. Adaeze Oreh (Health), Charles Amadi (Chieftaincy Affairs), Christopher Green (Sports), Joe Johnson (Information & Communications), Chisom Gbali (Youth Development), Victor Kii (Agriculture), Dr. Roseline Uranta (Women Affairs) and Nwafor Maximus (Energy & Natural Resources).

The sources added that some commissioners may be reassigned to new portfolios, but Dr. Adaeze Oreh is the only one whose role is certain for now, given her performance in the health sector.

Governor Fubara had dissolved his cabinet immediately upon resuming full executive powers, following the expiration of the six‑month emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu.

The dissolution came after a Supreme Court decision affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a judgment that triggered political realignments.

One government source disclosed that the presentation of the new nominees to the Assembly will happen very soon, as the governor aims for a full and stable cabinet.

He also noted that, as part of a peace accord struck with the Assembly, some allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike may be included in the new cabinet to promote unity and inclusiveness in the state.

“Every affected party has now accepted the new reality,” the source said.

“Governor Fubara remains in control of affairs. In the coming weeks, you will begin to see strides forward for Rivers State.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent pardon of convicted drug traffickers, describing the action as a “pathetic” misuse of presidential powers and a blow to Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said granting presidential clemency to dozens of individuals convicted of serious offences such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and gun running, is “a national disgrace” and undermines the credibility of the country’s justice system.

“This act amounts to an irresponsible abuse of the power of mercy,” the party said, “especially as many of those pardoned had served less than two years for offences carrying life sentences.”

The party questioned the rationale behind such clemency, arguing that it does not meet the criteria of social utility, correction of judicial errors, or rehabilitation.

Instead, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of setting a dangerous precedent that may embolden criminals and diminish the efforts of frontline agencies battling drug trafficking and related crimes.

“What does Nigeria stand to gain by pardoning traffickers who barely served their time?” the statement read.

“This sends a troubling message that all it takes to escape justice is to ‘show remorse’ and acquire a few vocational skills.”

The ADC reminded the public that Nigeria remains a major transit point for illicit drugs and is grappling with a serious internal drug crisis, with reports indicating that drug use in the country is at 14.4%, almost triple the global average of 5.5%.

“Our security agencies, particularly the NDLEA, have risked their lives dismantling drug networks, arresting and prosecuting offenders,” Abdullahi noted.

“Granting mass pardons mocks their sacrifices and weakens our legal and moral stance against narcotics.”

The opposition party warned that the implications of such clemency go beyond Nigeria’s borders, potentially damaging the country’s international reputation and partnerships in global anti-narcotics efforts.

“This move paints Nigeria as soft on drug crime and may be interpreted as official sympathy for traffickers. It sends the wrong message to global partners that Nigeria is becoming a safe haven for drug offenders,” the statement added.

The ADC further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu of eroding the moral fabric of governance and trivialising serious crimes.

“With this mass amnesty for drug offenders, the Tinubu administration is dangerously redefining morality and justice in Nigeria. We are becoming a nation where even the gravest crimes come with only minor consequences—if any.”

The party concluded by reaffirming its mission to challenge what it sees as growing impunity under the APC-led government.

“The ADC remains committed to rescuing Nigeria from a ruling party that values power over accountability, and impunity over justice,” Abdullahi stated.