The political drama surrounding Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s removal as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to reach a climax as the Supreme Court fixes March 10, 2025, for the hearing of his appeal. The embattled politician is challenging the decisions of two lower courts that upheld his removal and recognized Chief Ude Okoye as the party’s substantive National Secretary. With the stakes high and the PDP’s internal dynamics hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the apex court.
The Backstory: A Legal Tussle for Party Leadership
Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s troubles began when he contested and won the PDP’s ticket for the 2024 Imo State governorship election. According to the PDP’s constitution, holding a party position while running for an elective office is a violation. This led to a High Court ruling that removed him as National Secretary, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Enugu in December 2024.
The appellate court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, described Anyanwu’s appeal as “incompetent and lacking in merit,” paving the way for Chief Ude Okoye to assume the role of National Secretary.
Anyanwu Fights Back: Taking the Battle to the Supreme Court
Dissatisfied with the lower courts’ rulings, Anyanwu approached the Supreme Court last month, seeking to overturn the decisions and reclaim his position. He argued that the office of the National Secretary is crucial to the PDP’s operations and filed a motion for an accelerated hearing to expedite the process.
On Tuesday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, granted Anyanwu’s request for an accelerated hearing. The court also ordered that all necessary court processes be served on the respondent, Mr. Aniagu Emmanuel, who must file his reply within three days. Anyanwu was given two days to respond on points of law.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of this legal battle has significant implications for the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party. The office of the National Secretary is a key position, responsible for the party’s administrative and strategic operations. Any prolonged uncertainty could disrupt the party’s activities, especially as it prepares for future elections.
For Anyanwu, the case is not just about reclaiming his position but also about clearing his name and asserting his legitimacy within the party. On the other hand, Chief Ude Okoye and his supporters are determined to maintain their hold on the position, arguing that the lower courts’ decisions were just and in line with the party’s constitution.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court has set March 10, 2025, as the date for the hearing of the substantive matter. However, the court did not address the motion for a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal’s judgment, contrary to some media reports. This means that, for now, Chief Ude Okoye remains the recognized National Secretary of the PDP.
A Pivotal Moment for the PDP
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Anyanwu’s appeal, the PDP finds itself at a crossroads. The decision will not only determine the fate of Samuel Anyanwu but also shape the party’s internal dynamics and its ability to present a united front in the face of political challenges.
With March 10 fast approaching, all eyes will be on the apex court as it weighs in on this high-stakes political and legal battle.
