The Supreme Court has pronounced Samuel Anyanwu, a close associate of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have been engaged in an intense struggle for the role, leading to a split among the party’s key figures.
Nevertheless, Ude-Okoye secured backing from various factions within the party, who relied on a decision from an Appeal Court located in Enugu.
The higher court had confirmed Anyanwu’s dismissal as determined by a Federal High Court in Enugu.
Yet, in a unanimous ruling on Friday, a five-member panel of the Apex Court declared that issues concerning the leadership or membership of a political party fall within its internal domain and should not involve judicial intervention.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court noted that the unique conditions required for a court to have authority over a political party’s internal matters were absent.
These exceptional circumstances, as outlined by the Court, include: if the Nigerian Constitution grants such authority to the Court, or when a crime is committed or contractual rights are breached.
The National Secretary role turned into a disputed matter after Anyanwu stepped away to run in the Imo governorship election, which he did not win.
Following his electoral defeat, attempts to regain his position as secretary plunged the party into turmoil.
An Appeal Court in Enugu had, on December 20, 2024, sustained a prior ruling from a High Court that removed Senator Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary while recognizing Ude-Okoye as the legitimate secretary.
Anyanwu, in response, submitted a request for a Stay of Execution and an Appeal.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli