In a dramatic development that further intensifies the internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Senator Samuel Anyanwu to serve notice on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ambassador Umar Damagun—currently the acting National Chairman—so that they may explain why his requested interim injunctions should not be granted. The ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday, comes as part of Anyanwu’s latest legal effort to forestall his planned removal from the office of PDP National Secretary, a post he claims he rightfully holds despite a series of adverse court decisions.
Anyanwu, who was elected National Secretary at the PDP National Convention held on October 30–31, 2021 in Abuja, has maintained that he has diligently performed his constitutional duties ever since. In his affidavit, Anyanwu asserted that all official correspondence, notices, and documents emanating from the party must bear his signature, thereby ensuring the integrity of the party’s operations. He further contended that his continued presence in the office is critical to prevent what he described as “subterranean moves” by his opponents aimed at subverting his authority.
In the motion filed ex parte by his lawyer, Ken Njemanze, SAN, Anyanwu sought two key interim injunctions. The first was aimed at restraining INEC from accepting, processing, or giving effect to any communication from the PDP that was not signed by him. The second injunction targeted Ambassador Umar Damagun, prohibiting him from dispatching any correspondence purportedly emanating from the PDP to INEC unless such documents were duly counter-signed by Anyanwu. According to the motion, these measures were necessary to safeguard the procedural sanctity of the party’s internal communications and to ensure that any action taken by the electoral body or the party’s leadership did not prematurely oust him from office.
Justice Ekwo, however, declined to grant the relief sought on an ex parte basis. Instead, the judge ruled that it was imperative for the defendants to be given the opportunity to be heard. He directed Anyanwu to serve court processes on both INEC and Ambassador Damagun within two days and fixed February 24th, 2025, as the next date for the matter to be heard on notice. “Upon hearing the submissions and reviewing the averments in the affidavit, I am of the opinion that a case of urgency has been established,” Justice Ekwo stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive adjudication of the issues raised.
The case is emblematic of the deep-rooted leadership crisis that has beleaguered the PDP for several months. While Anyanwu insists that his tenure as National Secretary remains valid until December 2025, a series of court rulings—most notably by the Court of Appeal in Enugu—have already declared his removal and affirmed the appointment of Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye as his replacement. Anyanwu, however, maintains that these decisions are flawed and that he is merely exercising his right to challenge what he perceives as an illegal and unconstitutional subversion of the party’s internal governance.
According to sources from symfoninews and other media outlets, the dispute over the national secretary position is not merely a legal wrangle but a reflection of larger factional battles within the PDP. Some party insiders allege that Anyanwu’s continued presence in office has become a rallying point for a segment of the party loyal to him, while other factions, including those aligned with the PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT), have endorsed Udeh-Okoye’s appointment. The internal discord has raised fears that prolonged litigation may paralyze the party’s ability to present a unified front in upcoming electoral contests.
The controversy deepened when Anyanwu cited a December 22, 2023 judgment from the Enugu State High Court (suit number E/882/2023) in which the court touched on the proper exercise of the national secretary’s powers. Dissatisfied with that ruling, Anyanwu and the PDP subsequently filed separate appeals to the Court of Appeal. Those appeals, however, were summarily dismissed, prompting Anyanwu to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. In his recent affidavit, Anyanwu underscored that his removal from office was not only premature but also indicative of “subterranean moves” by elements within the party determined to usurp his authority.
Adding another layer to the legal battle, recent reports indicate that the Supreme Court has scheduled an accelerated hearing for Anyanwu’s appeal on March 10, 2025. This apex court review comes as a final opportunity for Anyanwu to overturn the lower courts’ rulings before any permanent changes to the PDP’s leadership structure are enforced. Meanwhile, the Federal High Court’s decision to require INEC and Ambassador Damagun to show cause has temporarily stalled any unilateral moves to finalize his removal.
Political analysts note that the outcome of these intertwined legal proceedings could have far-reaching implications not only for the PDP but for Nigeria’s broader political landscape. A ruling in favor of Anyanwu might embolden other party officials to challenge established norms and court decisions, potentially leading to further instability. Conversely, a decision that upholds his removal would likely reinforce the judiciary’s authority in arbitrating internal party disputes and could prompt a reorganization of the PDP’s executive committee.
Meanwhile, dissent is growing among party members. Some believe that Anyanwu’s insistence on clinging to power—despite clear judicial pronouncements—undermines the rule of law and erodes confidence in the party’s democratic processes. Critics argue that any attempt to circumvent proper judicial channels not only disrupts party unity but also sets a dangerous precedent for internal governance disputes. In contrast, supporters of Anyanwu contend that the legal process has been politicized and that his removal is a calculated move by rivals to seize control of the party apparatus ahead of forthcoming elections.
As the PDP braces for further courtroom battles, the political fallout is already palpable. Observers warn that a prolonged leadership crisis could hinder the party’s operational effectiveness, weaken its public image, and ultimately impair its electoral prospects. With the Supreme Court’s decisive hearing looming on March 10, all eyes are on the judiciary to deliver a ruling that will either validate or decisively quash Anyanwu’s claims to the national secretaryship.
In his latest public remarks, Anyanwu called on his supporters to remain vigilant and united in the face of what he described as an orchestrated campaign to strip him of his rightful office. “I have served this party with integrity and have always acted within the confines of our constitution,” he said. “This legal battle is not just about me—it is about preserving the democratic principles upon which the PDP was founded.”
For now, the Federal High Court’s directive to serve notice on INEC and Ambassador Damagun represents a temporary setback for those eager to enforce his removal. As the legal and political drama unfolds, the PDP finds itself at a critical juncture—a crossroads that will ultimately determine not only the fate of its leadership but also the future direction of the party in Nigeria’s competitive political arena.
Related stories: https://symfoninews.com/just-in-anyanwu-desperate-to-overturn-court-rul/
With court dates rapidly approaching and both internal and external pressures mounting, the coming weeks promise to be decisive. The outcome of these proceedings will likely shape the trajectory of the PDP for years to come, underscoring the vital role that judicial intervention plays in resolving complex political disputes in Nigeria’s vibrant democracy.
