PDP Crisis Deepens as Supreme Court Reinstates Anyanwu as National Secretary

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Friday as the Supreme Court delivered a judgment reinstating Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party. However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has insisted that Sunday Udeh-Okoye remains the substantive secretary, setting the stage for further legal and political battles within the opposition party.

Supreme Court Judgment and Its Implications

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, overturned the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which had earlier declared Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary. The apex court ruled that matters concerning the leadership or membership of a political party are strictly internal affairs and should not be decided by the courts.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the court stated that there were no “exceptional circumstances” that would have warranted judicial interference in the PDP’s internal matters. It held that the plaintiff, Aniagwu Emmanuel, lacked the legal standing to institute the suit at the Federal High Court in Enugu, as the issue of party leadership did not directly affect him. Consequently, the Supreme Court nullified the decisions of the lower courts, effectively reinstating Anyanwu.

This ruling has reignited tensions within the PDP, which has been grappling with leadership disputes since the 2023 elections. The judgment not only affects the party’s structure but also raises questions about the legality of decisions made under Udeh-Okoye’s tenure.

Anyanwu’s Legal Battle for Reinstatement

Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary follows a prolonged legal struggle. He was originally removed from office after he contested the PDP’s governorship ticket for Imo State in 2023. The party’s South-East zonal leadership subsequently nominated Udeh-Okoye as his replacement, a decision ratified by the NWC.

Anyanwu, however, challenged his removal, arguing that he neither resigned nor was officially removed according to the PDP constitution. Through his lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN), he filed a 10-ground appeal at the Supreme Court, contending that the lower courts erred in law by ruling on an internal party matter.

He further argued that his removal was based on a flawed interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, which addresses the resignation of political officeholders seeking elective positions. According to Anyanwu, PDP’s constitution provides a four-year term for elected officials, which he had not completed at the time of his removal.

Despite his legal victory, the PDP leadership remains divided over his reinstatement, creating uncertainty about the party’s leadership and governance structure.

Anyanwu Resumes Amid Tensions at Party Secretariat

Shortly after the Supreme Court’s verdict, Anyanwu made a dramatic return to the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, accompanied by his supporters. Addressing the press, he expressed gratitude to key party figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and called for unity within the party.

“I want to assure my colleagues in the NWC that we are one family. We must move past these legal battles and focus on restructuring our party to win the 2027 elections,” Anyanwu stated.

He also appealed to aggrieved members to set aside their differences, warning that continued infighting could weaken the party ahead of future elections. However, his reinstatement has been met with resistance, as many PDP officials still recognize Udeh-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary.

PDP National Working Committee Rejects Judgment

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the PDP’s NWC issued a strong statement maintaining that Udeh-Okoye remains the party’s duly recognized National Secretary. In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NWC argued that the court’s ruling only reaffirmed the PDP’s internal authority to appoint its leaders.

“The Supreme Court judgment affirmed that matters related to party leadership are internal affairs of the PDP. The NWC, at its 576th meeting in October 2023, directed the South-East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Anyanwu after he emerged as the governorship candidate for Imo State. This led to the selection and ratification of Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary,” the statement read.

The NWC urged party members to remain united, describing the judgment as a victory for democracy and party supremacy. However, its refusal to acknowledge Anyanwu’s reinstatement has deepened divisions within the party, raising concerns about potential legal and political consequences.

Confusion Over Leadership as Party Awaits Next Steps

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, confusion reigns within the PDP as key stakeholders struggle to interpret its implications. When Optitangloba Media visited the party’s national headquarters, many officials were absent, and staff members engaged in heated discussions about the party’s next steps.

Some party members insisted that Udeh-Okoye remains the legitimate secretary, while others argued that the Supreme Court’s verdict makes Anyanwu’s reinstatement legally binding. Senior PDP leaders have remained tight-lipped, stating that they are awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making further statements.

Political analysts warn that the leadership crisis could further weaken the PDP, which has been struggling to rebuild after losing the 2023 presidential election. With both factions refusing to back down, the party risks prolonged instability, which could affect its chances in the 2027 elections.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the PDP’s next moves—whether it will find a political solution to its leadership crisis or plunge further into internal discord.