The relative peace in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been disrupted.

The latest setback arose from last month’s judgment of the Court of Appeal which declared Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary in place of Samuel Anyanwu.

While Anyanwu is at home in Imo State observing the holiday, Ude-Okoye has seized the initiative.

Although Anyanwu said he would return to the secretariat this week after the break, Ude-Okoye who could not access the secretariat, took along with him some NWC members and visited three governors at the weekend.

The team was well received by Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Muhammed (Bauchi) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

It was learnt that the trips did not receive the blessing of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

According to a source, the pro-Atiku forces bent on shoving aside Anyanwu, were behind Ude-Okoye’s action.

Justifying his reception for Ude-Okoye, Makinde said he believes in the rule of law. He referred to the subsisting judgment which declared Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.

With Ude-Okoye on the trip to Ibadan were: Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Legal Adviser; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP Northeast and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.

On rule of law I stand, says MakindeUrging party faithful to maintain their fidelity to the platform, Makinde, who reflected on the challenges facing the main opposition party, said only adherence to the rule of law can resolve the lingering leadership tussle.

He recalled advising the party to always abide by the law, even before the court pronouncement.

Makinde spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, when he received some national party officers, purportedly led by Okoye.

The officers were in the state to commiserate with the governor on the death of 35 children during last month’s stampede and to present Okoye to him as national secretary.

He said Nigerians wanted the PDP to put its house in order and provide an alternative route for good governance.

Makinde told reporters: “There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary.

“My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law.

“This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we would stay on the side of the law.