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  • Ortom, Anyanwu absent as PDP disciplinary committee begins hearing

    Ortom, Anyanwu absent as PDP disciplinary committee begins hearing

    The much-anticipated sitting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee, led by High Chief Tom Ikimi, faced unexpected setbacks on Wednesday as two key figures—Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former Benue State Governor, Sam Ortom—failed to appear.

    PDP National Secretary, Anyanwu, reportedly informed the committee that he could not reschedule a prior medical appointment.

    Meanwhile, Ortom rejected the committee’s invitation. 

    His spokesman, Nathaniel Ikyur, told The Nation that there was no valid reason for Ortom to attend the hearing at Legacy House.

    “Up till 10 a.m. today (Wednesday), the former governor has not received any letter from the committee, even though the media is awash with reports of a supposed invitation. It is even more questionable that the letter references allegations of cyberstalking against the committee,” Ikyur stated.

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    A PDP insider revealed that the Ikimi-led committee had prioritized the appearances of Anyanwu, Ortom, and ten of Ortom’s loyalists from Benue State. 

    Since the committee was unaware of Ortom’s Abuja address, it opted to send the invitations—meant for Ortom and the ten Benue PDP members—to the state party chairman last Friday.

    However, a February 11 2023 letter sent to the PDP Disciplinary Committee by the Benue state chairman of PDP, Hon Ezekiel A. Adaj,i and received during the committees sitting at Legacy House on Wednesday afternoon raised serious allegations that authors of the petition alleging anti-party activities against Ortom and ten others are likely to be ghost members of Benue PDP who authored their petition in the name of a non-existent group.

    Among other suggestions, Adaji demanded that the petitioners should submit evidence to back their allegations, adding that “petitioners should also provide evidence of their membership of the Party, if any”.

    Adaji’s letter titled ‘Re: Demand for Disciplinary Action Against Perpetrators of Anti-Party Activities in the Last General Elections in Benue State’ expressed amazement that the Ikimi Committee‘s letter on a petition dated September 6, 2004, was only received by him on February 11, 2025, while those targeted by the petition were being asked to appear before the Committee on February 12, 2025.

    Adaji’s letter to Ikimi stated went thus: “Recall that pursuant to a letter, dated 6″ September 2024 on the above subject matter, written by a group that called itself “Benue PDP Youths Conscience,” which was referred to the PDP National Disciplinary Committee by the National Working Committee, you had sent a bunch of letters to me for delivery to members of PDP in Benue State against whom the petition under reference was written.

    “Your letters, which were sealed in an envelope, were received by my Personal Assistant, at the PDP Benue State Secretariat, No. 16, Abdullahi Shelleng Road, High Level, Makurdi on Monday, 10 February, 2025 at about 4.00 pm. The bunch of letters was escalated to me on Tuesday, 11″ February, 2025 at about 10.00 am.

    “I found from the bunch of letters that some members of the POP from Benue State were petitioned and invited to appear before the National Disciplinary Committee of the Party on Wednesday, 12% February 2025 at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    “I regret to state that I am unable to deliver the letters to the various members of the Party who have been petitioned for want of sufficient time.

    “Since the petition has been copied to the “Benue State PDP Caretaker Committee” which Is now the State Working Committee of the Party under my leadership, although no copy of the petition has been served on me or the Benue State Working Committee, I perused the said petition and do hereby observe as follows:

    “That there is no group of the PDP in Benue State known as “Benue PDP Youths Conscience”

    “That the people who have signed the petition have not identified themselves as members of the PDP and are unknown to PDP, Benue State Chapter;

    “That the petition has not specified the acts consisting of the alleged anti-party activities. The petitioners have also not accompanied the petition with the “pictorial, voice and video evidence” (sic) which they intend to present at the hearing of the petition before the Disciplinary Committee.

    Adaji went further: “In view of the foregoing observations, I do hereby suggest as follows:

    “That the Disciplinary Committee may kindly reschedule the meeting and notify me in good time to enable me to convey the same to the petitioned members ahead of the date of the meeting to ensure their appearance before the Committee;

    “That the petitioners should provide evidence of their membership of the Party, if any, to enable the Disciplinary Committee to ascertain the propriety of their petition;

    “That the Disciplinary Committee may advise the petitioners to attach to the petition, the “pictorial, voice and video evidence” (sic) to enable the petitioned members to prepare their defence to the petition.

    “I do hereby reiterate the determination of the PDP Benue State Chapter to work in consonance with the National Working Committee and all structures of the Party to reposition the Party to her pride of place in the political arithmetic of Nigeria, now and in the future,” Adaji stated.

  • 1,000 PDP groups back Anyanwu as National Secretary

    1,000 PDP groups back Anyanwu as National Secretary

    Over 1,000 groups within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming their support for him as the National Secretary of the party. This move comes amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

    The PDP Youth Frontiers Network, representing progressive-minded youth groups within the party, made this known at a briefing in Abuja to address the crisis.

    They emphasised Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary and any attempt to remove him and replace him with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Deputy National Secretary, is unacceptable.

    In his address, national coordinator Hon. Henry Owolabi said PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have overstepped their bounds by advising the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

    This decision, Owolabi argued, is at variance with the party’s constitution and ignores the fact that Senator Anyanwu was elected at a convention.

    The group also pointed out that Anyanwu has appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court and the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive application.

    They warned the actions of the Governors’ Forum and the BoT are “illegal, deliberately mischievous and uncomplimentary” to the party.

    The group also threatened to mobilise members and supporters to block judicial premises and take civil actions if the warning is ignored.

    Owolabi added: “We consider it an imperative and dire need of the hour that, as a party we must begin by building consensus and form once more a united, formidable and strong party, striving to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria and not continue in the path of self-interest, self-distraught, myopic divisiveness and pristine bickering which has not helped us but has become viable and fertile ground for the opposition to hatch inroads and poach into us destroying our very fabrics.

    Read Also: PDP stakeholders fight back over BoT’s position in Anyanwu, Udeh-Okoye feud

    “We, therefore, join our voices and affirm unequivocal, unflinching and unwavering support and loyalty of our organization and that of all party supporters to the ideals of the party and by extension to the office of the National Secretary.

    “That Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and the attempt to remove him and replace him with a judiciary-imposed secretary, without any Congress or legitimate procedural ratification of any organ of the party is hereby totally rejected.

    “We warn all detractors and perpetrators and indeed the Judiciary to steer clear of the internal workings of our great party and henceforth refrain from issuing illegal, baseless, porous, judgments that lack legal foundation and are immoral.

    “We are poised to mobilise all our members and teeming supporters to block all judicial premises and ensure civil actions that will lead to compliance with this warning if it is flaunted.”

  • PDP disciplinary committee summons Anyanwu, Ortom

    PDP disciplinary committee summons Anyanwu, Ortom

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis yesterday escalated as some aggrieved chieftains said they would not appear before the Disciplinary Committee chaired by Chief Tom Ikimi.

    Also, the decision of the Board of Trustees (BoT) to recognise Sunday Udeh-Okoye as national secretary has generated controversy.

     Southeast stakeholders rejected the BoT position and threw their weight behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    Although Anyanwu, who is currently National Secretary, and former Benue State Governor Sam Ortom have been summoned to appear before the Ikimi panel, sources said the duo may not appear.

    Ortom said he was yet to receive the invitation letter from the panel, adding that he cannot respond to summons on the social media.

    The PDP had simultaneously set up the disciplinary committee and the reconciliation panel chaired by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

    The Ikimi panel, which is mandated to investigate anti-party activities, has relocated its sittings from the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja to the Legacy House in Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

    A statement by Ikimi said those summoned by the panel are to appear on February 12.

    It reads: “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party met on Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja in line with its mandate pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to party discipline.

    “The Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardise the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three of the petitions against the top NWC members.

    “The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and 10 others and the petition against Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

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    “Accordingly, the Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    “Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand; the required notices have been issued out accordingly.”

    The statement added: “All those with genuine grievances against any member of the party should take advantage of this standing committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints.”

    Ortom’s media adviser, Nathaniel Ikyur, said the former governor Ortom expected the Ikimi Committee to send a formal invitation instead of “putting things on social media.”

    Ikyur added: “He (Ortom) has not received any formal invitation and cannot respond on the basis of social media posts. As soon as they do what they are supposed to do, we’ll know what to do next.”

    Imo stakeholders back Anyanwu as secretary

     Imo State PDP stakeholders supported Anyanwu as secretary, saying that the BoT took sides in a divisive issue.

    Imo State PDP Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku, who spoke on their behalf, said the BoT’s decision

    did not represent the majority opinion.

    He said BoT lacked the constitutional authority to affirm or reject anyone as a member of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    Obiaku said: “The issue of the National Secretary  is before the courts and Senator Anyanwu has obtained a stay of execution, allowing him to continue in office until the Supreme Court makes a final decision.

    “Therefore, the BoT’s decision holds no legal basis, and we are aware that the party’s constitution does not require Senator Anyanwu to vacate his position while running for governor.”

    He added: “The constitution only prohibits holding dual offices, which is not applicable to Senator Anyanwu since he was not sworn in as governor of Imo State.

    “It calls to mind the claims made by former presidential candidate Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, who stated that some members of the opposition received N50 million from the ruling party to destabilise their parties.

    “The BoT’s actions imply that they may have been compromised, and we urge lovers of the PDP to caution them against sowing seeds that could damage their reputation individually and collectively.

    “Senator Anyanwu was duly elected National Secretary of the party and he has performed admirably in his role and will continue to do so.”

    Crisis looms over chairmanship, says Ologbondiyan

    Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan said a worse crisis would engulf the party, unless the chairmanship slot is zoned to the Northcentral.

    Ologbondiyan, who spoke on the television, warned the party against making a mistake.

    He said: “I still insist,  and I believe I speak for the majority of North Central — that even if it’s going to be for a day, the North Central must be allowed to take over the office of the substantive national chairman.

    “Senator Iyorchia Ayu vacated that office. Ambassador Ilyasu Damagum stay is in acting capacity. That is not substantive.

    “So, whether the life of the present executive would end in December or before then, the Northcentral should be given the opportunity. Otherwise, the challenge that led to G5 is still alive. It may not function in the same way, but it would be on record that the party at a point was unjust to the people of Northcentral.”

  • Imo stakeholders back Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    Imo stakeholders back Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, including the State Working Committee (SWC), State Executive Committee(SEC), Elders council, and other leaders are fully supporting and backing Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the PDP.

    Imo Publicity Secretary of the party Lancelot Obiaku, announced this to The Nation on Thursday.

    He said the party stakeholders including the State Working Committee (SWC), elders, council and leaders are supporting Senator Anyanwu 100 per cent as the National Secretary.

    According to him, the stakeholders maintained that Board of Trustees’ (BoT) actions do not represent the stance of the party.

    As an advisory body, they pointed out that the BoT lacks the constitutional authority to affirm or reject anyone as a member of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “The issue of the National Secretary position is before the courts and Senator Anyanwu has obtained a stay of execution, allowing him to continue in office until the Supreme Court makes a final decision.

    “Therefore, the BoT’s decision holds no legal basis, and we are aware that the party’s constitution does not require Senator Anyanwu to vacate his position while running for governor,” he started.

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    He added: “The constitution only prohibits holding dual offices, which is not applicable to Senator Anyanwu since he was not sworn in as Governor of Imo State.”

    He alleged that the BoT’s actions suggest that they may be working to undermine and destabilise the PDP, Nigeria’s strongest opposition party.

    “It calls to mind the claims made by former presidential candidate Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, who stated that some members of the opposition received N50 million from the ruling party to destabilise their parties.

    “The BoT’s actions imply that they may have been compromised, and we urge lovers of the PDP to caution them against sowing seeds that could damage their reputation individually and collectively.

    “Senator Anyanwu was duly elected National Secretary of the party and he has performed admirably in his role and will continue to do so,” he argued.

  • PDP disciplinary committee summons Anyanwu, Ortom

    PDP disciplinary committee summons Anyanwu, Ortom

    The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Tom Ikimi, has revealed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s national secretary, and a former Governor of Benue State are among the first high-ranking members scheduled to appear before the PDP Disciplinary Committee. 

    In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the committee confirmed that it had relocated from the PDP national secretariat in Wuse and now operates from Legacy House, a party-owned facility in Maitama, Abuja.

    According to Ikimi: “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic party met on Wednesday, 5th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja in line with its mandate under Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to Party discipline.

    “The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

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    “The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.

    “The second set of petitions which were set down for inquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    “Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    “Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand; the required notices have been issued accordingly,” he stated.

    While emphasizing the PDP disciplinary committee derives its authority from the party’s constitution, he assured that the committee is firmly committed to ensuring discipline within the PDP and restoring its integrity.

    “Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints” he added.

  • Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye feud splits PDP

    Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye feud splits PDP

    • •BoT relocates from Wadata House, insists on March 13 NEC meeting

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis escalated yesterday, following the rejection of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary by the Board of Trustees (BoT).

    The highest advisory organ threw its weight behind Sunday Udeh-Okoye.

    The BoT’s decision followed the report of the Alhaji Tanimu Turaki panel set up by the body after the invasion of the party secretariat in Abuja by thugs.

    Last week, the PDP Governors’ Forum recognised Udeh-Okoye as national secretary, hinging its decision on the Court of Appeal judgment that affirmed his claim.

    But, Anyanwu kicked, saying that he had obtained a stay of execution.

    Yesterday, the BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, relocated to the Transcorp-Hilton Hotel in Abuja for an emergency meeting.

    At the meeting, the party elders insisted that the Acting Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, should convene the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 13.

    Wabara announced that BoT members resolved to indefinitely stay away from the PDP national secretariat and hold meetings in other locations for security reasons.

    He said: “While we look ahead with optimism, we must also acknowledge the unfortunate incidents that took place during our last BoT meeting.

    “These incidents were largely due to inadequate security at the party headquarters.

    “As a result, and after thorough consideration, the BoT has resolved that until the security situation is effectively addressed, its subsequent meetings will be held outside of the party secretariat.

    “The safety of our members and the integrity of our discussions must never be compromised.

    “We call on the party leadership to urgently take necessary steps to rectify this situation so that our secretariat remains a safe and secure place for party affairs.”

    Wabara also justified the decision to recognise Udeh-Okoye instead of Anyanwu.

    He said: “The BoT, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, exhaustively considered and hereby adopts the report of its committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP, especially about the declarative judgment of the High Court of Enugu as upheld by the Court of Appeal.

    “Consequently, the BoT, by adopting the report, recognises Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full obedience to the declaratory judgment of the High Court of Enugu as also upheld by the Court of Appeal, there being no contrary or overriding judgment from any court of superior jurisdiction.

    “The BoT charges the National Working Committee (NWC) to recognise and immediately swear in Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP in obedience to the Judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    “The BoT urges all party organs, critical stakeholders, leaders and members across the country as well as all democracy development partners and institutions to be guided by the judgment of the Court of Appeal with regard to the position of the National Secretary of the PDP.

    “The BoT commends the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, Southeast Executive Committee and all other organs of the party for their steadfastness in upholding the provisions of the Constitution and operational guidelines of the PDP.”

    Wabara hailed the BoT, the PDP Governors’ Forum and the NWC for setting March 13 as the date for the NEC meeting.

    He said: “The upcoming NEC meeting is not just another gathering. It is a platform for critical deliberations that will shape the future of our party and by extension, the future of Nigeria.

    “I, therefore, urge all members of NEC to come with open minds for meaningful discussions that will address the pressing issues within our party and offer a renewed vision for our country.”

    At the PDP BoT meeting were former PDP Caretaker Chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Senator Ben Obi, ex-governors Achike Udenwa, Babangida Aliyu, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Sam Egwu; Ambassador Aminu Wali, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Senator Stella Omu, Patrick Ifon, Mike Ogiadomhe and a former minister, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

    Why BoT backed Ude-Okoye, by Jacob

    Former PDP Legal Adviser,  Mack Jacob, said the BoT decision to back Ude-Okoye was right.

    He said it would be improper for the NWC to be at loggerheads with the BoT.

    Jacob, who spoke on television, said:  “The situation whereby any member of the party becomes so powerful and arrogantly so, telling even the governors that their forum is not recognised by the law, shows a clear example of impunity.

    “The decision of the BoT today is reasonable because it shows that the party wants to obey court orders and that the party is listening to the voices of the elders of the party.”

    Jacob rejected Anyanwu’s position that his appeal at the Supreme Court was a stay of proceedings.

    He said: “Only a reckless NWC will be at loggerheads with the BoT because it is only the BoT that can take away the party constitution from the NWC as they are the custodian of the constitution of the party.

    “The BoT didn’t share an opinion today, but a decision, because that organ is the conscience of the party.”

    Jacob, who called for the dissolution of the NWC, said the body wanted to truncate plans for the NEC meeting.

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    PDP youths to elders: don’t escalate crisis

    A group, ‘PDP Coalition of Youth for Good Governance,’ warmed the BoT against displaying bias to prevent the escalation of conflict.

    Its Convener, Emmanuel Mba, said the tenure of most of the BoT members has expired, in view of Section 32(4) of the party constitution.

    It states: “All members of the BoT shall serve a term of five years and no more.”

    He also warned that the BoT risked committing contempt of court by recognising Udeh-Okoye as national secretary.

    Mba added: “Youths are tired of the meddlesome interlopers in BoT.

    “If they do not resolve this matter soon, we will be forced to take over the party.”

  • PDP crisis: Anyanwu consolidates grip, accesses PDP National Secretary office

    PDP crisis: Anyanwu consolidates grip, accesses PDP National Secretary office

    Despite lingering claims and counter-claims over the position of National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu was at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National secretariat in Abuja to prove control of affairs on Monday.

    Without any special protective security details, Anyanwu confidently breezed into the party secretariat in white kaftan around 12 noon and made straight for his office where he called for files , gave instructions and hosted some guests.

    Until around 4pm when Anyanwu left the office, many were expecting Udeh-Okoye to make good his threat to resume at the office.

    Watchers at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja expected either a strong presence of security personnel or a clash between supporters of Anyanwu and Hon Udeh-Okoye, the two claimants to the PDP’s National Secretary office.

    Last Friday, the PDP Governors forum said it recognised Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary on the basis of an the Appeal Court’s ruling in a communique.

    They asked the PDP National Working Committee to recognize Udeh-Okoye accordingly.

    However, Anyanwu maintained he remains the PDP National Secretary because the Federal Court of Appeal has issued a stay of execution over a judgement in favour of Udeh-Okoye on the basis of alleged fake documents presented in court.

    He also told The Nation that the PDP Governors’ Forum is a mere pressure group, not a a body created by the party’s constitution, adding that there was nothing to worry about.

    Although Anyanwu pointedly accused Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah of being behind the communique by PDP Governors, party sources confided a PDP Governor from the South West who never felt comfortable with Anyanwu and the influence that he may wield over the PDP National convention influenced the Governors’ decision in favour to back Udeh-Okoye.

    “Not all PDP Governors back the idea but some of them felt that it should be on record that they accede to Governor Mbah’s request and backed him over a matter that he presented as being very critical,” the source stated.

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    Since the conclusion of the PDP’s 2023 presidential primaries, the party has moved from one crisis to another with proxy interests tearing the PDP National Working Committee(NWC) apart while many steps taken towards resolving issues have degenerated into further divisions or put things at a standstill.

    While top party leaders are busy trading accusations over alleged manipulations, two special committees – the PDP National Reconciliation Committee and the Disciplinary Committee – appeared to be unsure of step to take next.

    If efforts to oust Anyanwu succeeds, it would have been easier to overwhelm embattled acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum within the NWC and pressurise the convening of a meeting of the National Executive Committee – the party’s highest decision-making organ that can decide replacement of Damagum.

    Damagum took over from Iyorchia Ayu, the former National Chairman, who was removed by the court for failing to implement necessary reforms.

    But blocs loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have continued to view every step he takes with suspicion.

    Anyanwu’s friendship with FCT Minister, Nyedom Wike since they served as local government chairmen continues, making loyalists of at least three other interest groups uncomfortable.

  • PDP crisis: Anyanwu petitions police, DSS; asksfor security enforcement of Appeal Court order

    PDP crisis: Anyanwu petitions police, DSS; asksfor security enforcement of Appeal Court order

    • Says PDP govs inviting chaos through communique supporting Ude-Okoye

    The embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, yesterday took his case to the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), 24 hours after the PDP Governors Forum decided to support his rival for the office, Sunday Ude-Okoye.

    Anyanwu sought the intervention of the security agencies and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the January 13, 2025 order of the Court of Appeal directing all the parties involved in his case to “maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.”

    In effect, he wants security protection to enable him access his office at the PDP National Secretariat to continue to carry out his duties as opposed to Ude-Okoye.

    Anyanwu has already filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to overturn the December 20, 2024 judgment of the Court of Appeal that Ude-Okoye should replace him (Anyanwu) as National Secretary.

    The PDP Governors’ Forum, during its Friday meeting in Asaba, hinged its decision to back Ude-Okoye on the December ruling.

    The governors directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to abide by and implement the court’s decision.

    However, Anyanwu, in his first reaction to the governors’ position late Friday insisted that he remained the National Secretary of the party, having obtained a stay of execution on the Court of Appeal’s decision.

    He said the Asaba communiqué on his status was nothing to worry about.

    But yesterday, he sent a petition to the Inspector General of Police, asking for the deployment of armed security personnel at the party’s national secretariat to enforce the Court of Appeal’s order on maintaining the status quo ante bellum and to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

    Copies of the petition were sent to the Director General of the DSS, the Comptroller General of the NSCDC, President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria through the Supreme Court.

    Anyanwu, in the petition entitled Security Alert: The Advice of PDP Governors Forum to the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party an Invitation to Chaos and Affront to the Rule Of Law,” drew the attention of the police to what he called an urgent need to “take note of Paragraph 3 of the communique issued by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum after their meeting which took place in Asaba, Delta State on Friday, January 31, 2025.”

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    He said: “In the quoted Paragraph 3 of the communique, the Forum advised the NWC to set up machinery for the implementation of the Enugu Court of Appeal judgment which favoured the nomination of SKD Ude -Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.

    “The police should be aware that an appeal has been filed in the Supreme Court against the quoted judgment; furthermore, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja granted an order on January 13, 2025, clearly directing both parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.

    “The order accordingly was duly served on all parties concerned, including the National Working Committee of PDP and INEC.

    “It is a settled matter in law that when a judgment is appealed against to a superior court, all parties should maintain status quo ante belum till the matter is finally determined. The Governors cannot claim ignorance of this position of law before issuing their statement, which runs in conflict with the court decision.”

    He reminded the police of the January 29, 2025 alleged invasion of the PDP National Secretariat by “hired thugs and bandits to unleash attacks intended to disrupt “a meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT); an action he described as  “completely unlawful and in total disregard to the judiciary and the rule of law.”

    He said it was saddening that “the Governors in their expected wisdom have allowed themselves to be deceived by the sponsors of Ude- Okoye.”

    He claimed that some people are already “facing criminal investigations by the police” for allegedly forging PDP guidelines which “they used to mislead the courts in securing the ill-fated judgments.”

    He expressed concerns about likely and deliberate invitation to chaos at the PDP National Secretariat and urged the IGP, DG of DSS and the courts to seriously consider logical options to avert such.

    His words: “Police is therefore being alerted of the grave dangers that will ensue in the attempt of the NWC to implement the quoted advice of the PDP Governors Forum enshrined in paragraph 3 of their communique; it will be an invitation to chaos and affront to the judiciary and the rule of law, especially when the matter is pending before the superior courts for determination.

    “I am by this letter calling on you to take necessary steps to forestall the crises being instigated by PDP governors and the sponsors of Ude- Okoye; the National Working Committee of PDP should be advised to refrain from any action that will be contrary to the position of the court on this matter.

    “It is my right as a lawful citizen to seek justice against a judgment that was fraudulently secured against me.

    “In the interest of peace, safety of lives and property of innocent Nigerians, all parties to this case should be cautioned to conduct themselves in line with the rule of law and decision of the Court of Appeal to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the motion. Anything contrary to this will be vehemently resisted.

    “I still remain the validly elected National Secretary of PDP until the court rules otherwise.”

    On Friday, he said the PDP constitution does not recognise the Governors’ Forum as a formal or constitutional organ of the party.

    “It is only a pressure group, so their communique is advisory,” he said.

    “It is very likely that that they did that today (yesterday) to please Governor Peter Mbah who spearheaded this.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria and the courts of the land tower above all; the Appeal Court gave an order for a stay of execution that is in my favour and it is clear that as we speak today, in compliance with the law and the order of the court of law, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will not dare deal with any other person in PDP as National Secretary except me.

    The PDP crisis erupted soon after the May 2022 presidential primary where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was picked as the party’s flag bearer.

    A group in the party, led by the then governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike and comprising four other governors, had demanded the resignation of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman to avoid a situation where Northerners would hold both the presidential ticket and chairmanship position.

    The Atiku faction refused to accede to the request.

    Wike and his group took that as a violation of the principle of equity within the party and vowed to not work for PDP in the 2023 election campaign.

    They carried out their threat and the party lost at the polls.

    The crisis has lingered ever since, and with the 2027 elections approaching, the two sides are now locked in a fierce battle for the control of the soul of the party with each side determined to have its own supporters run the party.

    The objective is that the side with its people in charge of the NWC will have an edge in producing the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.

    It is widely believed that Atiku is still interested in the presidential race.

    A former deputy national chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, on Friday decried the situation in his party and warned that the unresolved internal wrangling could cost it the 2027 elections

    He said: “I have always stated that when you have a little problem and you don’t arrest it on time, it becomes cancerous and affects everybody.

    “I believe that at the stage we are, whatever is happening between the two Secretaries—Anyanwu and the other former National Youth Leader of the party—is a reflection of the lackluster approach to solving this problem.

    “I was disgusted and ashamed that this kind of crisis would get to a crescendo where our public image is being eroded. It was a show of shame and very disgraceful.

    “My take is this: the contentious matter is that the former youth leader went to the Court of Appeal, which gave him judgment that he was right to take over the office of the National Secretary, and Anyanwu went to another court that ordered the status quo to be maintained.

    “It looks depressing and disgusting when you consider that a party, which is like an Iroko tree, is being decimated because of personal ambition. It bothers some of us who have been part of the party since 1998.

    “Resolving this crisis at the midpoint doesn’t make any political sense. Let us set up a committee to conduct an in-depth analysis of what happened.

    “All sides of the divide are making us very angry. People are starting to say that our party is dead, but we say no, we can disagree without being disagreeable.

    “I will remain consistent in my argument that we must go to the root of this madness so that it will never repeat itself.

    “We have to set up a proper committee to resolve the mess from that convention. We must avoid this dirty public image.”

  • Anyanwu defies court order, resumes as PDP National Secretary

    Anyanwu defies court order, resumes as PDP National Secretary

    • His action is unfortunate, says party’s spokesman
    • Security agencies deployed to maintain peace at national secretariat

    Adetachment of policemen and operatives of other security agencies were deployed to Wadata Plaza housing the national secretariat of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday in Abuja to maintain order.

    This followed the resumption of Senator Sam Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party against a court order.

    Earlier yesterday, some protesting youths marched to the entrance of the PDP national secretariat with placards bearing various inscriptions, such as: “No vacancy in the National Secretary’s office” and “Senator Sam Anyanwu remains the National Secretary.”

    The protesters said they did not want Sunday Ude-Okoye to assume office as the party’s National Secretary.

    The youths arrived the national secretariat shortly after Senator Anyanwu had retaken his seat, which he had been occupying since his election to the position in 2021.

    But PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, who is among those mobilising support for Udeh-Okoye, described Anyanwu’s action as unfortunate.

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    The PDP spokesman expressed doubt about Anyanwu’s statement.

    In an indirect address to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and governors elected on the platform of the party who opposed his return, Anyanwu said any opposition to “my position and duty as the National Secretary will not be condoned”.

    He added: “Please, regarding the Appeal Court judgment in Enugu on the issue of the office of the National Secretary, it is important you note the following:

    “In Nigeria, the general rule is that when an application for a stay of execution has been filed and is pending, the judgment cannot be enforced until the application is determined.

    “According to the Nigerian Court of Appeal, in the case of Ogbunyanwa V. Okubo (2013) LPELR20815 (CA), ‘once an application for a stay of execution is filed and pending, it operates as a bar to the execution of the judgment, pending the determination of the application’.

    “Similarly, the Nigerian Supreme Court, in the case of A.-G., Federation V. S. P. D. C. Nigeria Limited (2014) LPELR-23143 (SC), held that ‘where an application for a stay of execution is pending, the judgment creditor is restrained from executing the judgment until the application is determined’.

    “An exception to this general rule is when the application for a stay of execution is deemed abandoned or withdrawn, then the judgment can be enforced; in this instance, my application for the stay of execution has been filed and pending in court for determination.

    “In addition, the judgment has been appealed in Supreme Court with a case number assigned. I have not, in any way, shown a loss of interest in prosecuting the case. As a result, my position as the National Secretary of the party remains sacrosanct…”

    But reacting yesterday, Ologunagba said: “We have not received any stay of execution; Anyanwu’s resumption is unfortunate. This is not the time for the party to go through this kind of embarrassing situation.

    “The PDP has not received either a motion on notice for a stay (of execution) or been served a stay of execution.

  • Appeal Court sacks PDP National Secretary Anyanwu

    Appeal Court sacks PDP National Secretary Anyanwu

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu yesterday upheld a High Court ruling that sacked Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Court equally  upheld Ude Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the main opposition party.

    In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the Court described Anyanwu‘s claim to the PDP’s secretary position after he contested and emerged as PDP governorship candidate violated the party’s constitution and his appeal lacked merit.

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    Reacting to the ruling, Ideato North/ South House Representatives member, Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.

    In a statement yesterday, Ugochinyere noted that the ruling upheld PDP’s constitution.