By Chukwuma Obiozor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Hon. (Arc.) Setonji Koshoedo as its Acting National Secretary, in accordance with Section 36(2) of the party's constitution (as amended in 2017).
The announcement was made by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, following a resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) during its 600th meeting held on April 29, 2025. The resolution directed Koshoedo, the current Deputy National Secretary, to assume the role of Acting National Secretary.
The appointment is consistent with constitutional provisions empowering the Deputy National Secretary to act when so directed by the NWC. It was also supported by the PDP Governors’ Forum, which met on April 14, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and endorsed Koshoedo pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive National Secretary from the South-East zone at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Further backing for the appointment came from the management and staff of the PDP National Secretariat, led by Director of Administration, Engr. Gurama Bawa, at a press conference on May 14, 2025. They expressed unanimous support for the decision, citing its importance to the stability and continuity of the party’s internal processes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also formally recognized Koshoedo in his acting capacity and continues to acknowledge official correspondences signed by him, including those relating to the party’s preparations for the November 2025 Anambra governorship election.
This development resolves the leadership dispute surrounding the office of the National Secretary, which stemmed from conflicting court orders and internal disagreements. The Supreme Court ruling of March 21, 2025, affirmed the party’s right to manage its internal affairs without judicial interference.
Hon. (Arc.) Setonji Koshoedo, a former member of the House of Representatives and a seasoned party administrator, is expected to drive the NWC’s agenda of reunification and rebuilding. His leadership is seen as key to strengthening the PDP’s organizational structure and its role as a leading opposition party.
