…Party May Not Have Candidates in Future Elections
By Barr Okechukwu Ibezim
The continued stay of the ousted National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, despite appeal court decisions removing him, has severe implications for the party.
- Constitutional Crisis:
Anyanwu’s refusal to vacate the office of National Secretary for the rightful person, Rt Hon. Udeh Okoye, undermines the rule of law and creates a constitutional crisis within the party. This situation may lead to a breakdown in the party’s internal governance structures as witnessed in the event of yesterday at the Board of Trustees Meeting in Abuja.
- Legitimacy of Party Decisions, Nomination of Candidates:
With Anyanwu’s continues illegal occupation of the office of National Secretary of the PDP, the legitimacy of decisions made by the party’s national working committee comes into question.
This may lead to internal conflicts, power struggles, and will ultimately result in the Party not able to produce Candidates in future elections because, any document (s) signs by him is null and void and of no effect.
- Party’s Upcoming National Convention May be a Nullity:
The matter has been filled at the Supreme Court, though there are issues surrounding the filling of the processes at the Court due to report of some parties withdrawal from the Case/forgeries, etc.
However, it’s most likely that the outcome of the Party’s upcoming National Convention might be a nullity if the Supreme Court affirms the ruling of both the Appeal and High Courts against Anyanwu. Therefore, all documents, or engagements with Senator Samuel Anyanwu before or during the convention may be considered null and void.
- Risk of Party Deregistration:
If the PDP fails to comply with court decisions, it risks being deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This would have far-reaching consequences for the party and its members.
- Damage to Party Image:
The ongoing crisis surrounding Anyanwu’s continued stay as National Secretary damages the party’s image and erodes public trust in the Party. This may negatively impact the party’s chances in all elections.
The PDP leaders, supporters and sympathizers must take immediate action to resolve this crisis and ensure compliance with court decisions to avoid these severe implications.
