The ongoing tension within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated after a disturbing incident during a Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, in which a prominent member, Ude-Okoye, was reportedly attacked and forced out of the meeting.
Sources within the party have confirmed that Ude-Okoye, a vocal figure within the party's leadership, was confronted during the session by a group of party members opposed to his views. The altercation reportedly became heated, and Ude-Okoye was physically removed from the venue, despite his attempts to participate in the proceedings.
The incident has sparked outrage among party loyalists, with many calling it a clear violation of democratic norms and internal party protocols. Critics have condemned the actions, claiming that it signifies an erosion of basic democratic values within the PDP. "The PDP should be a space for healthy dialogue and debate, not for intimidation and exclusion," said a senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Ude-Okoye, in a statement released shortly after the incident, expressed his deep disappointment, emphasizing that the attack was politically motivated and part of a larger effort to silence opposing views within the party. “This is a clear attempt to suppress dissent and control the direction of the party by any means necessary,” he stated.
The incident has raised concerns over the future stability of the PDP as it heads into a crucial period of internal restructuring. Many fear that such internal conflicts could hinder the party’s ability to present a unified front in future elections.