Sacked PDP National Secretary Anyanwu Risks Jail Term as Court Issues Final Warning
The High Court of Enugu Division has issued a final warning to the sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, prohibiting him from parading himself as the party’s National Secretary. Failure to comply with the court’s directive may result in imprisonment. Advertisements In a judgment delivered by Justice C.O. Ajah, the court stated unequivocally that Anyanwu would be held in contempt of court if he continued to claim the title of PDP National Secretary. The judgment read: “Unless you (Anyanwu) obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.” This legal action followed a suit filed by Emmanuel Aniagu against Anyanwu, the PDP, PDP Acting National Chairman Iliya Umar Damagun, and PDP National Vice Chairman Southeast, Ali Odefa.
The court noted that Anyanwu was elected PDP National Secretary in 2021 and had substantial responsibilities outlined in the party’s constitution. However, the judgment also highlighted a conflict of interest arising from Anyanwu’s dual roles. The court revealed that Anyanwu was elected as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in April 2023 while still serving as National Secretary. This situation, the court noted, positioned him as a “judge in his own cause” concerning decisions on gubernatorial primaries and candidates, a clear violation of party and legal principles.
Court’s Final Warning The court emphasized that Anyanwu’s role as National Secretary involved critical duties, including: Drawing up lists for gubernatorial screening committees and appeal panels.
Appointing members for gubernatorial electoral committees across the 36 states of Nigeria. Playing a decisive role in determining the eligibility of gubernatorial aspirants. Justice Ajah noted that occupying the dual roles of National Secretary and gubernatorial candidate undermined the principles of fairness and transparency in party operations.
Political Fallout Reacting to the court’s judgment, Ikenga Opposition Lawmakers Coalition Spokesman, described the situation as dire for Anyanwu. “The distance between Anyanwu and a prison cell is now half a kilometer if he continues to parade himself as National Secretary,” he said. This latest development is a significant blow to Anyanwu, who faces mounting legal and political pressure. His next moves will determine whether he complies with the court’s order or risks further punitive measures, including imprisonment.
