In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has overturned the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, effectively reinstating Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The five-member panel of the Supreme Court delivered the verdict on Friday, putting an end to the protracted leadership tussle between Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, which had significantly deepened divisions within the PDP.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, in the lead judgement, emphasized that matters concerning the leadership and membership of a political party are strictly internal affairs and, as such, should not be subject to judicial intervention. According to Justice Tukur, the courts lack jurisdiction in such matters unless exceptional circumstances exist, such as violations of constitutional rights, criminal activities, or breaches of contractual obligations. Finding none of these conditions applicable, the Supreme Court ruled against Anyanwu’s removal.

The dispute originated when Anyanwu vacated his position as National Secretary to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election. Following his defeat, his efforts to reclaim his role led to internal strife within the party, with Sunday Ude-Okoye emerging as a rival claimant to the seat. On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld an earlier decision by the Federal High Court, which had removed Anyanwu and affirmed Ude-Okoye as the authentic secretary. Anyanwu swiftly responded by filing for a stay of execution and appealing the decision at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's ruling effectively nullifies Anyanwu's sacking and reinforces the principle that political parties should resolve their internal disputes without judicial interference. The decision is also viewed as a subtle victory for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a known ally of Anyanwu. This outcome potentially strengthens Wike's position, allowing him to exert greater influence within the opposition party, despite serving in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

Further elaborating on the judgment, Justice Tukur noted that Anyanwu's participation in the Imo State governorship election was approved by the PDP leadership, contradicting claims made by Emmanuel Aniagwu, who initially filed the suit at the High Court of Enugu State. The Supreme Court also found that Aniagwu lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the suit, as he failed to demonstrate any personal injury or direct impact from Anyanwu’s actions, thus characterizing him as an interloper. Additionally, the court pointed out that Ude-Okoye, the potential beneficiary of the case, was not included as a party in the suit.

Conversely, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the spokesperson for the Opposition Coalition, has interpreted the Supreme Court’s judgment as providing the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) with the authority to remove Anyanwu, without the risk of judicial reversal. Ugochinyere asserted that the ruling nullifies all court actions initiated by Anyanwu, including interim orders, and empowers the NWC to act decisively on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Convention.

Ugochinyere urged the NWC to immediately suspend Anyanwu and appoint an acting National Secretary, claiming that the Supreme Court's decision makes such actions irreversible. He also advocated for the adoption of the Ikimi Disciplinary Committee report, which had previously recommended Anyanwu’s suspension. According to Ugochinyere, the judgment should not be seen as a reinstatement of Anyanwu but as an opportunity to address the disorder within the party. He commended NWC members who have resisted external pressures and called on them to use their majority to suspend or expel both Anyanwu and Wike, aiming to end the crisis that has weakened the PDP and the opposition.