The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, affirming him as the legitimate national secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and bringing an end to the prolonged legal tussle over the position.
In its judgment on Friday, the apex court set aside an earlier appeal court decision that declared Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the office. The ruling, delivered by Justice Tukur Yammaman, stated that the Enugu trial court had no jurisdiction in the case, rendering its decision null and void.
The court also determined that Aniagu Emmanuel, who initially filed the suit that led to Anyanwu’s removal, lacked legal standing, as he failed to demonstrate how he was personally affected by Anyanwu’s tenure. The justices labeled him a “busybody and meddlesome interloper”, striking out the case for lack of jurisdiction.
Following the ruling, Senator Anyanwu expressed gratitude to his legal team, party supporters, and well-wishers, while downplaying the dispute as an internal party matter that has now been resolved.
“I’m here to continue my work as PDP’s national secretary until the next commission in December 2025,” he stated.
Anyanwu and Udeh-Okoye had been embroiled in a fierce battle for the position following Anyanwu’s participation in the Imo State governorship election in 2023.