In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has declared Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, as the legitimate National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).¹ The decision, delivered by a five-member apex court panel, quashes earlier rulings by lower courts that sought to remove Anyanwu from office.
The judgment reinforces Wike’s growing influence within the PDP and deals a significant blow to rival factions vying for control of the party’s leadership structure. Anyanwu’s legitimacy had been disputed, with Sunday Ude-Okoye emerging as a formidable challenger.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that matters related to party leadership or membership are strictly internal affairs and do not fall within the jurisdiction of the courts unless exceptional circumstances exist.
Internal Party Disputes
Justice Jamilu Tukur emphasized that the judiciary lacks authority to interfere in internal party workings unless explicitly permitted by the Nigerian Constitution, involves a criminal offense, or entails a breach of contractual rights.
“The exceptional circumstances that would have given the Court jurisdiction to decide on the internal affairs of a political party are missing in this case,” the ruling stated.
The Supreme Court verdict comes amid an escalating internal war within the PDP. The Abia State chapter of the party recently expelled Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT). Wabara’s removal is believed to be linked to his alleged endorsement of Labour Party Governor Alex Otti’s second-term bid, which infuriated powerful interests within the PDP.
Power Struggle within the PDP
The Wabara saga ties into the broader power struggle between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over control of the PDP in Rivers State. Wike has been vocal in his criticism of Wabara’s leadership of the BOT, stating in a television interview that he would have “disowned” him if they were related.
Responding to Wike’s verbal attack, Wabara dismissed the former governor’s comments as “undignified.” “I will expect a man of his calibre and status to mind his language and words. But I don’t want to join issues with Wike and dignify him,” he stated.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has significant implications for the PDP’s internal dynamics and the ongoing power struggle within the party. As the PDP navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the party will emerge from this period of turmoil.