An Enugu High Court has issued an order restraining the former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from presenting himself as the party’s scribe. The court warned that failure to comply with the order could result in his imprisonment.
The ruling, delivered by Judge C.O. Ajah, stated: “If you (Anyanwu) do not adhere to the terms of this order, you will be found guilty of contempt of court and may face imprisonment.”
The case, brought forward by Emmanuel Aniagu, also involved the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Iliya Umar Damagun, Anyanwu, and the PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, Ali Odefa, as defendants.
The court’s judgment outlined that Anyanwu, who had been the PDP National Secretary since his election in 2021, had significant responsibilities and powers according to the party’s constitution and Electoral Guidelines. These duties included overseeing the selection of members for various electoral committees and panels at both state and national levels.
The judgment also pointed out that Anyanwu had been selected as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the Imo State governorship election in November 2023 while still holding the National Secretary position. This dual role was deemed a conflict of interest, as it placed him in a position of judgment over his own candidacy.
As a result, the court ruled that Anyanwu should no longer present himself as the National Secretary of PDP, a position he had effectively relinquished through his actions. The court further ordered that Hon. S.K.E. Udeh Okoye, recommended by the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee, be officially recognized as the new National Secretary to complete the remaining term of Anyanwu’s tenure.
