Emmanuel Ochayi
The Federal High Court, Abuja, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was reaffirmed as the legitimate national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered a judgment that not only upheld Anyanwu’s position but also issued a decisive injunction preventing the PDP’s leadership from appointing an acting national secretary prematurely.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEkwo’s verdict, delivered in response to an ex-parte motion filed by Dr. Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of two party members, Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower, emphasized the imperative to uphold the PDP’s constitution.
The court order restrains any attempt to disrupt Anyanwu’s tenure until December 9, 2025, as stipulated in the party’s regulations.
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Addressing the situation, Ekwo emphasized, “The court is duty-bound to prevent that from happening. The plaintiffs do not have to wait until the 1st — 4th defendants carry out their threat before coming to seek redress.”
The legal battle stemmed from the PDP’s purported move to remove Anyanwu as national secretary, a decision challenged by the plaintiffs who argued that Anyanwu’s tenure aligns with the party’s constitution, thus protecting him from arbitrary removal.
However, the defendants, in their counter-affidavit, claimed that Anyanwu had applied for leave of absence to focus on the Imo governorship poll held on November 11, 2023, and accordingly approved the deputy national secretary to act in his place.
The courtroom drama intensified as lawyers representing various interests sought to join the suit. Arguments ensued over the timeliness and accuracy of the filings, leading to fines and withdrawal of motions.
Ultimately, Justice Ekwo dismissed the motions that attempted to alter the court’s process, reiterating the protection of Anyanwu’s tenure based on the provisions of the PDP’s constitution.
The ruling not only solidifies Anyanwu’s standing as the party’s national secretary but also establishes a precedent for adherence to constitutional provisions within political party structures, signaling the judiciary’s commitment to upholding internal democratic principles.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
