The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s position as the legitimate national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo, an injunction was issued restraining the PDP’s national leadership from appointing a replacement for Anyanwu while his four-year tenure continues until Dec. 9, 2025, as specified by the party’s constitution.
Justice Ekwo ruled that any attempt by the party to prematurely oust Anyanwu from his role or impede his powers would violate Article 47(1) of the PDP Constitution, rendering such actions null and void.
Furthermore, the court prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing any appointment other than Anyanwu as the national secretary of the party, emphasizing his rightful election to the position.
This ruling follows an earlier injunction issued on Nov. 23, 2023, preventing Anyanwu’s removal as national secretary until the resolution of the substantive matter.
The court action originated from an ex-parte motion filed by Dr. Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower, who sought interim injunctions against the PDP leadership’s moves to remove Anyanwu, citing the violation of the PDP’s constitutional provisions.
The defendants argued that Anyanwu had requested leave of absence to focus on his candidacy in the Imo governorship election, allowing the deputy national secretary to act as per the party’s constitution.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling dismissed the defendants’ motion, affirming the plaintiffs’ evidence of the PDP’s move to oust Anyanwu in breach of the party’s constitution.