Photo: Samuel Anyanwu (l) trumps Udey-Okoye
By Sadeeq Kamsela, Abuja
The Supreme Court on Friday reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A five-member panel unanimously vacated the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal’s decisions that had removed him from office.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the lead judgment, ruled that the lower courts lacked jurisdiction to interfere in the internal matters of a political party. The Supreme Court also affirmed the appellate court’s minority judgment, which had nullified the trial court’s ruling due to lack of jurisdiction.
The Court further ruled that the plaintiff, Mr. Aniagu Emmanuel, who initiated the case, lacked the legal standing to file the suit, as he failed to show how he was affected by Anyanwu’s position.
Previously, the appellate court had upheld the High Court’s decision to remove Anyanwu, citing his breach of PDP’s constitution after running for the Imo State governorship election. Anyanwu, however, challenged both lower court decisions in the Supreme Court.
Additionally, Anyanwu sought an expedited hearing, emphasizing the importance of the National Secretary role.
Despite the PDP’s Board of Trustees and National Working Committee recognizing Chief Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary, Anyanwu rejected their decisions, arguing the matter was still under litigation.
