Supreme Court Affirms Samuel Anyanwu As PDP National Secretary In Landmark Ruling.
In a significant victory for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has declared him the legitimate National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), putting an end to a bitter leadership dispute that has gripped the party for over a year. The ruling, delivered on Friday by a five-member panel led by Justice Jamilu Tukur, solidifies Anyanwu’s position until 9 December 2025, in line with the PDP’s constitution, and underscores the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
A Contentious Journey
The legal saga began in November 2023 when Anyanwu, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, contested the Imo State governorship election. His candidacy sparked controversy within the PDP, with some factions arguing that he should step down as National Secretary. In response, the party’s South-East zonal executive appointed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as acting National Secretary, a decision that ignited a flurry of lawsuits. Lower courts initially sided against Anyanwu, with the Federal High Court in Enugu ruling in October 2024 to remove him, a judgement upheld by the Court of Appeal in December. Undeterred, Anyanwu escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, asserting that the issue was an internal party matter beyond judicial oversight.
The Supreme Court’s Verdict
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court overturned the lower courts’ rulings, declaring them null and void. Justice Tukur emphasised that the appointment of party officials is a domestic affair, not subject to judicial intervention. The court further noted that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel, lacked the legal standing to challenge Anyanwu’s role, as he could not prove any personal detriment. This landmark ruling not only reinstates Anyanwu but also sets a precedent for how Nigerian courts may handle similar disputes in the future, reinforcing the principle of party sovereignty.
Is This A Boost For Party Unity?
Could this decision come as a relief to the PDP? which has been plagued by factionalism and internal wrangling. Anyanwu, a seasoned politician who served as a senator for Imo East from 2015 to 2019, has been a key figure in the party since taking the National Secretary role in November 2021. His alliance with Nyesom Wike, a towering figure in Nigerian politics, has bolstered his position, with Wike publicly defending him against earlier calls to resign. The ruling is seen as a triumph for their camp, potentially strengthening their influence within the PDP as it gears up for future electoral contests.
Reactions and Implications
While the PDP has yet to issue an official statement, sources within the party suggest a willingness to move forward under Anyanwu’s leadership. Supporters have hailed the verdict as a step towards stability, allowing the party to refocus on its political strategy rather than legal distractions. However, the decision may also deepen existing rifts, particularly with factions that had backed Udeh-Okoye. Political analysts note that the Supreme Court’s emphasis on non-justiciability could encourage parties to bolster internal dispute resolution mechanisms, reducing reliance on the courts.
A New Chapter
With his tenure secured until December 2025, Samuel Anyanwu now has a clear mandate to steer the PDP’s administrative affairs. The ruling marks a turning point for the party, offering a chance to heal divisions and rally its members.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, the PDP will look to leverage this clarity to strengthen its position ahead of the next general elections. For Anyanwu and his allies, it’s a hard-fought victory—and a signal that their influence within the party remains formidable.
