Mathew Amaechi
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), overturning previous court decisions that had removed him from office.Delivering a unanimous judgment, the five-member panel of the apex court emphasized that matters concerning the leadership or membership of a political party fall within the party’s internal jurisdiction and should not be subjected to judicial interference.
The ruling effectively nullified the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which had, on December 20, 2024, upheld the decision of a Federal High Court in Enugu to remove Anyanwu from his position. The Supreme Court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case filed by Aniagwu Emmanuel, thereby restoring Anyanwu to his rightful role within the PDP.
This verdict is expected to have significant political ramifications, particularly within the PDP, as it solidifies the autonomy of political parties in handling their internal affairs without undue judicial involvement.
Senator Anyanwu’s reinstatement comes at a crucial time for the PDP, as the party navigates internal restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections. His return to the party’s leadership is likely to influence strategic decisions and electoral preparations in the coming months.The ruling further reinforces the principle that party affairs should be resolved through internal mechanisms rather than through prolonged legal battles, setting a strong precedent for future political disputes in Nigeria.