The Supreme Court of Nigeria has postponed its decision on an appeal filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is contesting his removal as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing leadership crisis within one of Nigeria’s major political parties. The apex court’s ruling, which was reserved on March 10, 2025, follows intense legal arguments from both sides, with the judgment date yet to be announced. This article delves into the details of the case, its implications for the PDP, and what it means for the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
Background of the PDP Leadership Crisis
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts for some time, with the removal of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary being one of the most contentious issues. Anyanwu’s troubles began when he resigned from his position to contest the governorship election in Imo State in 2023, a race he ultimately lost. Following his defeat, he sought to reclaim his role as National Secretary, arguing that his tenure, as stipulated by the PDP constitution, should still be valid. However, the party leadership, including acting National Chairman Iliya Damagun, resisted his return, leading to a legal battle that has now reached Nigeria’s highest court.
The Federal High Court in Enugu initially ruled against Anyanwu, affirming his removal and recognizing Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary. Dissatisfied with this decision, Anyanwu appealed to the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division. On December 20, 2024, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling, stating that Anyanwu had violated the PDP constitution by contesting the governorship election while still holding the National Secretary position. The court argued that his actions necessitated resignation, a stance Anyanwu contested, leading him to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Proceedings: Key Arguments
During the Supreme Court hearing on March 10, 2025, a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Musa Abba-Aji listened to arguments from both parties. Anyanwu, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ken Njemanze, urged the court to overturn the decisions of the lower courts. Njemanze argued that the issue of party leadership is an internal matter for the PDP and, therefore, non-justiciable—meaning it should not be subject to judicial intervention. He emphasized that the PDP constitution guarantees a four-year term for party officers and that Anyanwu’s participation in the Imo governorship election did not automatically vacate his office.
Njemanze further contended that the lower courts lacked jurisdiction to rule on the matter, citing previous Supreme Court decisions that classified political party leadership disputes as internal affairs. He accused the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal of overstepping their authority and failing to consider whether the plaintiff had exhausted the PDP’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to litigation.
On the opposing side, counsel for the respondents, including Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing Aniagu Emmanuel, and Okwudili Anozie, representing Ali Odefa (PDP National Vice Chairman, Southeast Zone), urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Anyanwu’s appeal. Erokoro argued that Anyanwu’s resignation was implicit when he chose to contest the governorship election, referencing Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires party officials to resign before running for elective office. He cited the precedent of Ali Modu Sheriff vs. PDP, where the Supreme Court had ruled on a similar leadership dispute, suggesting that the court has jurisdiction over such matters when constitutional violations are evident.
Interestingly, the PDP itself and acting National Chairman Iliya Damagun did not file any processes in support of or against Anyanwu’s appeal, a move that has raised questions about the party’s stance on the leadership crisis. Meanwhile, Ali Odefa, the fourth respondent, strongly opposed Anyanwu’s bid to return, labeling his appeal as frivolous and lacking merit.
Additional Developments During the Hearing
In a dramatic turn of events, Anyanwu withdrew a separate motion he had filed to stay the execution of the lower courts’ judgments. The Supreme Court promptly struck out this request, further intensifying the focus on the main appeal. The withdrawal of the stay-of-execution motion suggests a strategic shift in Anyanwu’s legal approach, possibly indicating confidence in his primary appeal or an acknowledgment of the challenges in securing interim relief.
Implications for the PDP and Nigerian Politics
The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling will have far-reaching consequences for the PDP, a party already struggling to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. A decision in favor of Anyanwu could reinstate him as National Secretary, potentially stabilizing the party’s leadership structure. However, it might also deepen existing factional divides, as his opponents within the PDP may resist his return. Conversely, a ruling upholding his removal could solidify Sunday Udeh-Okoye’s position, but it may also signal to party members that the judiciary can override internal party decisions, setting a precedent for future disputes.
Beyond the PDP, this case highlights broader issues in Nigerian politics, including the role of the judiciary in resolving intra-party conflicts and the enforcement of party constitutions. Political analysts suggest that the outcome could influence how other parties, such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), manage their internal disputes, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to reserve judgment in Samuel Anyanwu’s appeal underscores the complexity of the PDP’s leadership dispute. With strong arguments on both sides and significant implications for the party and Nigerian democracy, the outcome remains uncertain. As the court prepares to deliver its verdict at a later date, all eyes will be on how this ruling shapes the future of one of Nigeria’s most prominent political parties.
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