We Came the Same Day; We Are Leaving the Same Day – Anyanwu Addresses PDP NWC, Thanks Wike

The Federal High Court in Abuja has instructed Senator Samuel Anyanwu to present the Supreme Court ruling he claims reinstated him as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) within seven days. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued this directive after Chief Ken Njamanze, SAN, Anyanwu's lead counsel, referred to the apex court’s decision, which he argued resolved the legal conflict surrounding the position of the PDP National Secretary.

This order came on the same day the court heard a case filed by Anyanwu, where he sought to halt the enforcement of concurrent rulings that had removed him from office and recognized Rt. Hon. Udeh-Okoye Ememchukwu as the legitimate National Secretary of the party.

The Court of Appeal in Enugu had ruled in December 2023 to uphold the High Court's decision that dismissed Senator Anyanwu, confirming Rt. Hon. Udeh-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary. The court argued that Anyanwu’s continued tenure violated the PDP Constitution, as he had contested and won the governorship election for Imo State in 2023.

In response to the rulings, the PDP's Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Working Committee (NWC) threw their support behind Chief Udeh-Okoye. Dissatisfied with these decisions, Anyanwu appealed to the Supreme Court and filed a motion in the high court to suspend the enforcement of the judgments.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous ruling last Friday, annulled the decisions of the lower courts due to a lack of jurisdiction. The court ruled that the matter concerned the internal affairs of a political party, an area beyond the jurisdiction of the courts. This judgment resulted in mixed reactions, with both Anyanwu's and Udeh-Okoye’s camps declaring victory.

In response to Anyanwu’s claims, Udeh-Okoye, the 4th defendant, submitted an affidavit stating that although Anyanwu was elected as National Secretary during the October 30, 2021, National Convention, he forfeited the position after being nominated as the PDP candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State. He referenced Articles 47(5) and 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, which require party officers to resign before contesting for elective positions and allow for the appointment of someone from the same zone to finish their term.

Udeh-Okoye further explained that, due to Anyanwu’s refusal to vacate the office, the PDP’s Board of Trustees notified the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, of the constitutional violation. A meeting held by the South East zone Executives on October 16, 2022, nominated Udeh-Okoye to serve the remainder of Anyanwu’s term.

As the legal proceedings continue, Justice Ekwo has scheduled the next judgment for April 28, following arguments from all parties involved.

Please follow our blog page by clicking on the three horizontal lines on top of the platform.

Thank you.