Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
A fresh controversy has erupted within Peoples Democratic Party after the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent Supreme Court judgement intensified the long-running leadership dispute surrounding the position of National Secretary and the status of Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The latest dispute followed comments by Abdullahi Ibrahim, former Deputy National Secretary of the PDP, who claimed that the CTC of the Supreme Court judgement confirmed the dismissal of Anyanwu and others who had been suspended from the party. Ibrahim argued that although the Supreme Court invalidated the convention that produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee, the same judgement also upheld actions taken against Anyanwu and certain party officials.
The internal crisis within the PDP has continued for months, creating deep divisions between rival factions battling for control of the opposition party ahead of future political contests in Nigeria. One faction is reportedly aligned with former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, while another faction is linked to Kabiru Turaki and supported by several PDP stakeholders and governors.
At the centre of the dispute is Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who has faced allegations of anti-party activities. According to court documents and party records cited in recent reports, the PDP National Disciplinary Committee had earlier recommended his expulsion on March 10, 2025. The recommendation was later ratified by sections of the party leadership.
Anyanwu subsequently challenged the decision at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. However, the court reportedly dismissed his suit on January 12, 2026, a judgement that factions opposed to him have repeatedly referenced as proof that he no longer holds membership rights or authority within the PDP.
The disagreement escalated after the release of the Supreme Court judgement’s Certified True Copy, with rival groups offering conflicting interpretations of the ruling. While Ibrahim and the Turaki-aligned camp insist the judgement validates Anyanwu’s dismissal, another faction has continued to argue that Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary of the party.
The situation has further complicated the already fractured leadership structure of the PDP, especially after separate conventions and parallel leadership claims emerged within the party. One of the disputed conventions, held in Ibadan, was reportedly nullified by the courts, while another gathering backed by allies of Wike retained Anyanwu in office.
The crisis has also drawn in the Independent National Electoral Commission, with lawyers representing the Turaki faction demanding that INEC immediately withdraw recognition of Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary. In a formal letter to the electoral commission, the faction argued that the subsisting court judgement remains binding and enforceable unless overturned by a higher court.
The faction further warned that continued recognition of Anyanwu could lead to contempt proceedings against INEC officials. According to the legal arguments presented, Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution requires all authorities and institutions to obey court judgements.
Reports also indicate that the FCT High Court recently issued a Form 48 notice warning Anyanwu and the INEC Chairman about possible consequences for disobeying an earlier court judgement linked to the dispute.
Despite the legal and political tensions, the PDP has yet to achieve a unified position on the matter, with both camps continuing public campaigns to defend their interpretation of the court rulings. Political observers note that the prolonged crisis may weaken the party’s ability to reposition itself as a strong opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments