Court Restrains Sacked PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu from Parading as Party’s Scribe

An Enugu High Court has restrained Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from parading himself as the party’s scribe.

The court warned that failure to comply with the order could lead to his imprisonment for contempt of court.

The judgment, delivered by Justice C.O. Ajah, followed a suit filed by Emmanuel Aniagu against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagun, Anyanwu, and the PDP National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Ali Odefa.

The court’s order stated: “Unless you (Anyanwu) obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.”

In the ruling, the court acknowledged Anyanwu’s role as the National Secretary, elected in 2021, and outlined his significant responsibilities under the PDP Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, including:

• Drawing up and signing lists for the Gubernatorial Screening Committees, Appeal Panels, and Electoral Committees.
• Overseeing the selection of candidates eligible to contest gubernatorial primaries across the 36 states.

However, the court noted that Anyanwu violated party protocols by contesting and becoming the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the Imo State election scheduled for November 2023, while still serving as the National Secretary.

The court ruled that this dual role made him “a judge in his own cause” and compromised the integrity of his office.

The judgment further stated:

• Anyanwu has relinquished the position of National Secretary by his actions.
• The PDP Acting National Chairman must recognize Hon. S.K.E. Udeh Okoye, as recommended by the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee, to serve out the remaining tenure of the National Secretary’s office.

The ruling emphasizes that Anyanwu’s continued claim to the position would be in violation of party guidelines and the court’s directive.