The Supreme Court of Nigeria has resolved the dispute over the position of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by declaring Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder. This ruling overturns previous decisions by lower courts that had removed him from the position.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court emphasized that matters concerning the leadership or membership of a political party are internal affairs and not subject to judicial intervention. The court stated that exceptional circumstances that would warrant judicial involvement, such as constitutional violations or criminal activities, were absent in this case.
The controversy began when Senator Anyanwu vacated his role as National Secretary to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, which he lost. Following his electoral defeat, efforts to reclaim his position led to internal conflicts within the PDP, with Sunday Udeh-Okoye emerging as a contender for the seat. The Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled against Anyanwu, affirming Udeh-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.
However, the Supreme Court's recent judgment nullified these lower court decisions, reinstating Anyanwu as the PDP's National Secretary. The court also noted that the plaintiff who initiated the suit lacked the necessary legal standing, as he did not demonstrate how he was affected by the appointment.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's recognition of the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs and sets a precedent for non-interference in party leadership disputes.
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