Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the legitimate National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The highest court annulled the December 20, 2024, decision made by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which had supported the High Court’s ruling that ousted Anyanwu and acknowledged Sunday Udey-Okoye as his replacement.
Frustrated by the appellate court’s decision, Anyanwu appealed to the Supreme Court, contending that both the Court of Appeal and the Enugu High Court lacked the authority to rule on issues related to the internal matters of the PDP. He argued that matters concerning party leadership and membership are not subject to judicial review and should not be adjudicated by any court.
Anyanwu criticised the lower court for not considering whether the plaintiff had employed the PDP’s internal mechanisms to resolve disputes before initiating the lawsuit. Moreover, he questioned the legitimacy of allowing the plaintiff to challenge his position, asserting that such aspects are crucial to a court’s authority.
In addition, Anyanwu disputed the lower court’s interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, claiming that he did not resign or get removed from his position as National Secretary.
He maintained that the PDP constitution clearly defines the process for vacating executive positions, and there was no legal foundation for the court’s conclusion that he had vacated his office.
He highlighted that Article 47 of the PDP constitution stipulates a single four-year term for party officials, reinforcing his assertion that his removal was unlawful.
Ousted Secretary Udey-Okoye had received support from the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum.
