The crisis within Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken a dramatic turn.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the PDP, has vowed to fight his removal from office by the Court of Appeal.
On Friday, the appellate court upheld a lower court’s decision, which declared that Anyanwu had violated the PDP constitution.
The court ruled that his position as National Secretary became untenable after he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in 2023.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu maintained that Anyanwu’s continued occupation of the secretary role contradicted the party’s rules.
Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, delivering the lead verdict, described Anyanwu’s claim as lacking merit.
The court further upheld Ude Okoye as the rightful National Secretary of the PDP.
“The appellant’s actions breached the PDP constitution, and his failure to resign before contesting the governorship disqualifies him from continuing as National Secretary,” Justice Abdullahi stated.
Unfazed by the court’s decision, Anyanwu has taken his case to the Supreme Court.
In his notice of appeal, Anyanwu argues that the appellate court ignored critical constitutional provisions of the PDP.
“There was no vacancy in the office of the National Secretary when the suit was filed,” he said.
He also questioned the eligibility of the plaintiff, Emmanuel Aniagu, claiming Aniagu lacked the legal standing to challenge his position.
“My opponent failed to exhaust the internal conflict resolution mechanisms within the party before heading to court,” Anyanwu insisted.
The appeal, filed by Anyanwu’s lawyer, Azeez Taiwo Hassan, outlines several grounds for review.
According to the legal notice, the Court of Appeal made an error in asserting jurisdiction over what Anyanwu deems an intra-party dispute.
“The trial court and the appellate court overstepped their bounds by delving into internal party matters that are non-justiciable under Nigerian law,” Hassan argued.
The appeal further stated that the court misinterpreted the facts of the case, relying on precedents that do not apply to the present situation.
This latest twist underscores the growing tension within the PDP.
Party insiders say Anyanwu’s decision to contest the 2023 governorship election without resigning as National Secretary was a major flashpoint.
Some stakeholders argue that his actions have created divisions within the party’s leadership.
“This is not just about one man; it’s about upholding the rules that bind us as a party,” said a PDP official who asked to remain anonymous.
However, Anyanwu’s supporters believe he is being unfairly targeted.
“This is pure political persecution,” said one of his allies. “The party constitution does not support this kind of witch-hunt.”
The PDP’s constitution requires party officials to relinquish their positions if they seek elective office.
Anyanwu, however, did not resign when he became the PDP’s governorship candidate for Imo State last year.
Critics argue that his decision set a bad precedent and undermined the party’s integrity.
The legal battle began when Aniagu, a PDP member, filed a suit challenging Anyanwu’s continued occupation of the secretary position.
Aniagu alleged that Anyanwu’s actions violated the PDP constitution, which states that no official should hold dual roles in such circumstances.
In December 2023, a High Court ruled in Aniagu’s favour, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal last week.
Observers say this case could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s internal democracy.
Some analysts believe that the Supreme Court’s decision could set a precedent for how political parties handle internal disputes.
“It’s a test case for the rule of law in party politics,” said legal expert Barrister Ayo Falana.
Others worry that the ongoing feud could harm the PDP’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
“The party needs unity to challenge the ruling APC, but this crisis is tearing it apart,” said political analyst Dr. Musa Ahmed.
As Anyanwu awaits a Supreme Court hearing, tensions within the PDP are likely to escalate.
The apex court’s ruling will either vindicate Anyanwu or reinforce the lower court’s decision.
For now, the PDP remains a party in turmoil, with its leadership divided over a matter that could shape its future.
“This isn’t just about legal interpretations,” said a party member. “It’s about the survival of the PDP as a credible opposition force.”
Whether Senator Anyanwu will reclaim his position or bow out remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that the PDP’s internal strife is far from over.
A stampede at a palliative distribution in Anambra State has claimed the lives of 22 people, according to police reports. The incident took place in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, on Saturday.
The distribution of food and essential items was organised by a philanthropist in the area, aiming to ease the burdens of the local community. However, what was meant to be an act of goodwill turned into a deadly tragedy.
Police in Anambra State have confirmed that 22 people died in the stampede. In a statement released on Sunday, the police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, gave an update on the investigation. He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, had visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede are receiving treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has sympathised with the families and friends of the deceased,” Ikenga stated. “He also wished the injured a speedy recovery as they continue to receive medical attention.”
The stampede occurred during the distribution event when a large crowd gathered in anticipation of the free palliatives. As people rushed to receive the items, the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a tragic crush. The situation quickly escalated, and the chaos resulted in a number of people being trampled and injured, with 22 confirmed dead by the police.
The tragic event has raised serious questions about crowd control measures and safety protocols during such distributions. The police have assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine what went wrong and to hold anyone responsible accountable.
“Investigation into the unfortunate incident is ongoing,” said SP Ikenga. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people during the festive period and beyond.”
As Anambra continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, many are calling for improved organisation and security at public events, especially those involving large crowds. The philanthropist behind the palliative distribution has yet to make a public statement about the incident, but their intentions to help the community have been overshadowed by the devastating consequences.
The stampede occurred at a time when the people of Anambra, like many other Nigerians, are facing economic hardships, with the festive period adding further stress. The distribution of palliatives was seen as a lifeline to many struggling families, but now, the incident has left behind grief and loss.
“The people were just trying to get something to take home for their families,” said a local resident who witnessed the chaos. “It was meant to be a blessing, but instead, it turned into a nightmare.”
As the community mourns, calls for accountability have grown louder. How could such a tragedy have been prevented? What steps should be taken to ensure that future distributions of aid do not end in such heartache?
The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the growing trend of public events like palliative distributions. While they aim to provide support to those in need, the lack of adequate crowd management and safety measures often leads to tragic outcomes. Experts are now urging both the organisers of such events and the authorities to prioritise the safety of attendees in future events.
“This is a wake-up call,” said security expert, Chijioke Obi. “Events that attract large crowds must be properly planned and coordinated to avoid disasters like this. The authorities must ensure that proper crowd control measures are in place and that organisers are held accountable for the safety of attendees.”
The Anambra State government has also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. Governor Charles Soludo has promised that the state will provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
“This is a sad day for our state,” Governor Soludo said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and we will ensure that those who are injured receive the care they need.”
The tragedy in Okija has left the community devastated. What was meant to be an act of kindness has turned into a nightmare for many families. As the investigation continues, questions remain about how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
While the immediate focus is on caring for the victims and supporting their families, there is a pressing need for deeper reflection on how to safely organise public events, particularly during times of crisis when the need for assistance is greatest.
