Court Confirms Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary, Halts Leadership Disputes

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Abuja, January 17, 2025 – Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the confirmed National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following recent court rulings that reinforced his position and restrained any attempt to appoint an acting replacement. This was disclosed today by the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, during a press conference at the NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Abdullahi addressed the press under the theme “Just So the PDP May Have a Breather!” and shed light on recent legal developments. On January 15, 2025, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, issued an interim injunction in a suit filed by Imo State PDP Chairman, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu. The suit challenges the legality of replacing Anyanwu, whose tenure is set to run until December 9, 2025.

The court order, which was served on the PDP, Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Damagum, and other party organs, restrained the defendants from removing Anyanwu or delegating his functions to the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, or any other person.

Similarly, on January 16, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a stay of execution on its December 20, 2024, judgment, pending a Supreme Court hearing. The appeal relates to a previous judgment that allowed for a potential change in the position of National Secretary.

In his remarks, Abdullahi emphasized that the party is committed to respecting the court orders and ensuring compliance with the rule of law. He clarified that the court specifically restrained the PDP, its National Working Committee (NWC), and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from truncating Anyanwu’s tenure or authorizing the Deputy National Secretary to act in his capacity.

“The presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, ruled that all actions to remove Senator Anyanwu or delegate his duties must be halted pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice scheduled for January 28, 2025,” Abdullahi said.

The High Court also declared that the PDP Constitution, as amended in 2017, upholds the tenure of elected officials unless expressly vacated by constitutional means. Hon. Nwachukwu, in his suit, is seeking a declaration that Anyanwu’s tenure remains valid and that no one else can act as National Secretary except under clearly defined circumstances.

Abdullahi appealed to party members to remain calm and united, emphasizing that internal disputes should not overshadow the party’s responsibilities.

“Nigeria looks up to the PDP for rescue from the stranglehold of oppression, cluelessness, and ineptitude of the APC-led government. We must not jeopardize this sacred duty with unnecessary leadership tussles,” he stated.

He urged all stakeholders to uphold constitutional values and avoid playing into the hands of political adversaries.

The case will continue with hearings on January 28 and February 5, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court and the Supreme Court, respectively.


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