The Supreme on Friday overturned the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court sacking Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party.
The verdict, delivered by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, settled the protracted leadership tussles between Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a dispute that had deepened divisions within the political party.
In the lead judgement read by a member of the panel, Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court held that matters relating to the leadership or membership of a political party fall strictly within the party’s internal affairs and should not be the business of the court.
“The exceptional circumstances that would have given jurisdiction for the court to decide on the internal affairs of a political party were missing,” Justice Tukur stated.
According to the court, such exceptional circumstances include, if the Nigerian Constitution grants the judiciary jurisdiction over the matter, if a crime has been committed or if there is a violation of contractual rights.
With none of these conditions being the case, the court ruled against Anyanwu’s sacking.
The crisis over the PDP National Secretary position began when Anyanwu vacated the role to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, which he lost.
Following his defeat in the governorship election, efforts to reclaim his position as secretary led to internal conflict in the party, with Udeh-Okoye emerging as a contender for the seat.
On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld an earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which removed Anyanwu and affirmed Udeh-Okoye as the authentic secretary.
“This is not just a victory for Udeh-Okoye as a person, but also for the party as a whole and for the nation’s democracy in general”
However, Anyanwu swiftly filed for a stay of execution and subsequently appealed the decision at the Supreme Court.
Friday’s ruling by the Supreme Court now puts an end to the legal battle, nullifying Anyanwu’s sacking as the PDP’s National Secretary and reinforcing the principle that political parties should resolve their internal affairs without judicial interference.
The decision is also seen as a subtle victory for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, an ally of Anywanwu. The victory better positions Wike, a former Rivers State governor serving in the ruling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government as minister, in his bid to exert firmer grip on the opposition party.
However, while a faction of the National Working Committee of the party claimed at the weekend that the judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirmed the standing position of the PDP leadership, and argued that it emphatically settles the emergence of Udeh Okoye as its substantive National Secretary, Anyanwu called on party members to disregard the statement that emanated from the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba on the matter.
While the Anyanwu camp was celebrating that the judgment was in his favour, the South East Zonal Executive Committee of the party congratulated Okoye. The congratulatory message was issued by the South East Zonal Executive Committee Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa.
While both contenders were still claiming and counterclaiming on the judgment, a High Court in Abuja under Justice H Mauzu issued a restraining order against the Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Committee of the party from expelling Anyanwu.
The NWC of the PDP while reacting to the turn of events said the judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirmed the standing position of the party and emphatically settled the emergence of Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the Party.
Ologunagba said Udeh-Okoye having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory organs and bodies in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) remains the National Secretary of the Party.
He said for clarity, the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 576th meeting held on the 11th of October, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu upon Senator Anyanwu’s nomination as the governorship candidate of the PDP to contest the November 2023 Governorship election in Imo State.
The statement said consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the South East Zonal Executive Committee at its meeting held on the 20th of October 2023 passed a resolution approving the emergence and forwarding of the name of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye to the NWC as the National Secretary of the Party.
Ologunagba said that accordingly, the NWC at its 577th meeting held on 7th of November 2023 pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution, duly received, deliberated upon, accepted and approved the emergence of Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.
The PDP NWC stressed that the appointment of Udeh-Okoye has since been endorsed by relevant organs and bodies of the PDP including the Board of Trustees, South East Zonal Caucus, the PDP Governors’ Forum and officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the general public.
South East PDP applauds Udeh-Okoye
The South East Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP has congratulated Udeh-Okoye on the affirmation of his position as the National Secretary of the PDP by the Supreme Court.
The South East PDP, in a statement co-issued by the Chairman of the Zonal Executive Committee, Ali Odefa, and the Zonal Secretary, James Ugwu, equally hailed the Supreme Court for saving, not just the party, but also the nation’s democracy from the hands of those bent on destroying it for their selfish political capital.
“Those who appear to be against me are only fighting a proxy war because of my relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who is my bosom friend and remains my friend. I cannot jettison my friends because of politics”
Reacting to the apex court ruling, the statement said, “This is not just a victory for Udeh-Okoye as a person, but also for the party as a whole and for the nation’s democracy in general.
“This judgment expressly ratifies the South Zonal Executive Committee’s nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary to serve-out the remaining tenure of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had won the party’s nomination as its flag bearer in the Imo 2023 governorship election. It equally validates Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) on November 7, 2023 and his endorsement by various organs of the party.
“Consequently, the South East heartily congratulates our party leaders, party faithful, and, of course, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye on this momentous victory.
“We are happy that this judgment has finally reestablished party supremacy and the ramification of this decision is a big win for not just the PDP, but for all the political parties in Nigeria. By this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that, as our people would say, the okra can never be taller than the person that planted it. The party is supreme.”
Orbih congratulates Anyanwu
Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a claimant to the National Vice Chairman, PDP South-south Zone, has congratulated Anyanwu over the Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement, entitled: “Congratulatory Message”, Orbih wrote: “Dear Senator Samuel Anyanwu. On behalf of the newly elected members of the South Zonal Working Committee, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding victory in the Supreme Court, affirming you as the authentic National Secretary of the PDP.
“This landmark judgment not only restores your position as National Secretary but also reinforces the values of rule of law and constitutionalism within our great party.
“As you resume duties in your office, I urge you to be bold, firm, and courageous in the discharge of your duties. Your leadership is vital in steering the PDP towards a brighter future, and we are confident in your ability to navigate the challenges ahead with wisdom and integrity.
“Rest assured, you have the unwavering support and cooperation of the South zone under my leadership, as well as the commitment of the Zonal Working Committee to work collaboratively with you. Together, we will strive to build a stronger and more vibrant PDP that is true to its core principles. Congratulations once again, and may the remainder of your tenure be marked by success and transformative progress for our party.”
Anyanwu urges party to disregard Ologunagba
Meanwhile, Anyanwu has called on party members to disregard the statement by Ologunagba, saying it has no basis.
Anyanwu in his statement contesting Ologunagba’s views said, ”The judgments of the Enugu High Court and Appeal Court were set aside while upholding the minority judgment of the Appeal court panel.
“The prayers of the appellant (Samuel N Anyanwu) affirming him as the authentic National Secretary of PDP were all guaranteed. The High Court of Enugu has no jurisdiction in the case.
“The plaintiff, Emeka Aniagu in the case lacked the locus to file the case which makes the case null and void ab initio. He was further described as having a busy body. In the same manner Udeh Okoye was described as a meddlesome interloper.
“Conclusively, the appeal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu was upheld and his position as National Secretary of PDP affirmed.”
Court restrains Ikimi disciplinary committee from expelling Anyanwu
Justice H Mauzu of the High Court of Justice also on Friday in Abuja, restrained the Tom Ikimi led Disciplinary Committee from expelling Anyanwu. The suit was adjourned to April 7 2025.
The Ikimi led committee had 10 days earlier recommended to the PDP national working committee that Anyanwu should be expelled for anti-party activities.
The certified true copy was signed by Hadiza Ajanah, the registrar of the court. The order was dated March 20, 2025.
The Court presided by Justice H. Mauzu ”restrained the 1st and 2nd Defendants their officers, agents and or servants from in whatsoever manner accepting, acting on, implementing and or giving effect to the findings, decision and or recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (headed by the 3rd Defendant with 4th-9th Defendants as members) made on 10 March, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed simultaneously with this instant Motion ex-parte.
“An Order of Interim Injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants including the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, their officers, agents and or servants from in howsoever or whatsoever manner from suspending and or expelling the Plaintiff as a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party or taking actions or steps adverse or prejudicial to or likely to be adverse or prejudicial to the Plaintiff’s membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed FCT – ABUJA.”
My relationship with Wike cause of war against me – Anyanwu
However, the embattled Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is claiming victory in last Friday’s judgment of the Supreme Court, has disclosed that the war waged against him by some leaders of the party was due to his closeness to Wike.
Anyanwu, who described his challenges as “mere proxy wars” insisted that he would not abandon his friends because of politics.
While ruling out the merger of the PDP with other political parties, Anyanwu argued that the party is too big to be part of any coalition.
Addressing journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Anyanwu said, “Those who appear to be against me are only fighting a proxy war because of my relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who is my bosom friend and remains my friend. I cannot jettison my friends because of politics.
“Where we are coming from is long before politics. Before politics, we were friends; I never knew that I was going to become a National Secretary of PDP. And when he (Wike) needed me the most to support him while he was running as a presidential aspirant in PDP, I was not there for him. So now, what have I done to injure the party or anyone in it? It’s just mere speculation,” Anyanwu stated.
Anyanwu said his victory at the Supreme Court was a victory for the people and the party, pointing out that he was elected as National Secretary of this party in October 2021, while his tenure will end in December 2025.
On how he felt after the Supreme Court judgment, he said, ”As for me today, I am not celebrating but I am happy that God has vindicated me such that even tomorrow if I decide to resign or leave, I will always feel justified that I have fought for a good cause. I fought a battle for the truth, and that’s just the truth. As for those who assume or believe that I’m their enemy, I’m not anyone’s enemy.
“I know that many of my friends who appear to be fighting me have only been fighting a proxy war. But let me emphasise this: what is most important is the party,” Anyanwu explained.
On the way forward, he said, “The way forward is for us all to come back together. I work for the party. As I said to my friends in the PDP NWC, we were all elected to serve the party; we may have our differences, but it’s understandable.
“I still believe that we are family, and we came here together, and we shall continue to co-exist together. Our tenure ends on December 9, 2025; so, in the little time ahead of us, we should all work together, stay together, and put the party together.”
On the revocation of the PDP’s new national secretariat by the Federal Capital Development Authority, he said, “I’m the National Secretary and I’m just the chief administrator. The fact is that it is not just the PDP that is affected; similar problems affect even INEC, CBN, and NNPC’s buildings and so many others. Let us not make a big issue out of it as if it is all about PDP.”
According to Anyanwu, “Before now, even before we came in as members of PDP NWC, we had been having issues over our new national secretariat with someone who claimed that the land is his own. I know that the lawyers of the FCT stood by us. Before the current issues began, our National Legal Adviser wrote a letter to the FCT minister, which the National Chairman and I delivered by hand to the FCT minister and he assured us that nobody will claim what belongs to PDP.
“But you cannot be a tenant, with my rent expiring and when you can’t renew it, you then start fighting your landlord. It’s either one pleads and looks for a way to pay to remain a tenant or expects that something else would happen. That is what is going on.”
On what becomes of the PDP in the future, Anyanwu said: “As far as I’m concerned, PDP will become stronger and on the issue of a coalition, I have not been informed. I am yet to be informed as the National Secretary and I’d like to know of the genesis of such ideas about forming a coalition with other political parties. PDP is too strong and too big to be drawn into being a mere part of any coalition; rather, people should empty their platforms and come into PDP.”
Crisis deepens over Supreme Court’s judgment
Meanwhile, the disagreement between the camps of the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Damagum, and the National Publicity Secretary, Ologunagba, over the Supreme Court judgment deepened at the weekend.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi has debunked a statement attributed to him, calling on Nigerians and PDP members to discountenance the statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ologunagba that the Supreme Court judgment had confirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.
The statement that was purportedly issued by Abdullahi, reads, “I am directed by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, to refute a misleading statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered judgment in the case of Samuel Anyanwu Vs. Emmanuel Aniagu on Friday, March 21, 2025.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the statement of Debo Olagunagba does not reflect the position of the PDP and the NWC respectively. The public should please disregard the falsehood. It is pertinent to inform the public that at no time did the Supreme Court recognise Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, but only described him as an “impostor” while the appellant, Emmanuel Aniagu as a “meddlesome interloper” respectively.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Abdullahi described the press release attributed to him as fraudulent.
“Of late, I have maintained a studied silence in the face of this legal imbroglio leading to the Supreme Court judgment of yesterday, Friday, March 21, 2025. This is in deference to the court, as the matter was then sub-judice. I had figured out the need to maintain a political ambience devoid of contradictions, rancour, violence, and outrage.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I neither received nor was I directed by the Ag National Chairman to issue such a disclaimer.
“I hereby out rightly dissociate myself and the office of the DNPS from the release already making the rounds. It did not originate from me, and I did not sanction it,” Abdullahi explained.