The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, in adherence to a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
During a world press conference held in Abuja on Friday, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, highlighted the party’s commitment to upholding the court’s decision.
Abdullahi further assured that the party would present legal representation to defend its stance when the motion on notice is addressed on January 8 and February 5, 2025.
“In the last few days, issues surrounding the authentic National Secretary of our party have been at the forefront of discussions. On Wednesday, 15th January 2025, we were served with an order of injunction issued by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Maitama, in a suit instituted by the Imo State PDP Chairman, Hon Austine Nwachukwu,” Abdullahi stated.
He explained that the injunction, alongside a stay of execution order from the Court of Appeal (Abuja Division), restrains the PDP and its leadership from removing Anyanwu as National Secretary until the Supreme Court resolves the appeal.
“Similarly, we were yesterday served with a stay of execution by the Court of Appeal (Abuja Division) in the judgment of this Court in appeal No CA/E/24/2024, between Peoples Democratic Party & anor V. Aniagu Emmanuel & 2 Ors. delivered on the 20th day of December 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Abdullahi explained.
He stressed that the party is committed to adhering to the rule of law while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Accordingly, we are obliged as a law-abiding party to respect the order of the court and also send a legal representation to defend the party in the suit when the Motion on Notice comes up,” he added.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been mired in a leadership crisis, exacerbated by disagreements over the National Secretary position.
The controversy began when the PDP’s South East zone nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu after he became the party’s governorship candidate for the Imo State election.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja recently ruled that Anyanwu should retain the position until the issue is fully resolved.
PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, has called on party members to exercise patience and comply with the court’s directives.
“We hereby appeal to all PDP members to be restrained and law-abiding in waiting for the final position of the court on this matter,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of unity within the PDP amid ongoing challenges.
“Regardless of this outcome and the feathers ruffled as a result, let us as a party rededicate ourselves to the sacred duty of constitutionalism and adherence to the rule of law,” he advised.
Abdullahi further called on members to avoid falling prey to political distractions.
“With several precedents serving as references, we ought to be guided as a party not to fall prey to the antics of our political traducers in and outside of the PDP by playing to the gallery on matters of law and constitutionality,” he said.
Abdullahi emphasised that the PDP must remain focused on its responsibilities and avoid being derailed by internal disputes.
The hearing for the motion on the stay of execution is scheduled for January 27, 2025, while further hearings on the originating summons are set for January 8 and February 5, 2025.
