The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening crisis as leaders from Nigeria's South-East region have threatened a mass exodus if their choice for National Secretary, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, is not respected.

The threat came during a meeting of the South-East Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) held at the Government House in Enugu on Wednesday, where regional party leaders expressed frustration over what they described as continued disregard for their position.

In a communique read by Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa, the South-East PDP stated they had repeatedly nominated Udeh-Okoye since October 2023, yet the party's National Working Committee (NWC) has failed to ratify the appointment.

"The South East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party. Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary," Odefa stated.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Imo State Governor Chief Achike Udenwa, all of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the party's treatment of the region.

Senator Wabara did not mince words about the perceived disrespect, saying: "We have been trampled upon, not taken seriously. If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this. And now, it came to us. I mean, the usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man."

The South-East leaders emphasized their historical loyalty to the PDP, noting that the region has remained a stronghold for the party since its inception nearly three decades ago. They highlighted recent successes in Enugu State, where they have attracted opposition figures from the Labour Party into the PDP fold despite the party losing key members elsewhere after the 2023 general elections.

"Therefore, we hope that this time around, the position of the South East PDP regarding the Office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves. This would bring a closure to the needless lingering dispute over the matter," the communique stated.

The leaders also urged the NWC to ensure that Arch. Setonji Koshoedo effectively occupies the Office of the National Secretary in acting capacity pending Udeh-Okoye's ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Former Governor Udenwa echoed the sentiment of frustration, stating, "We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again."

The ultimatum comes at a critical time for the opposition party as it struggles to maintain unity following its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Political analysts suggest that losing the South-East bloc could further weaken the PDP's position as Nigeria's main opposition party ahead of future elections.