September Hearing Set for PDP National Secretary Dispute

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for September 22 to consider the suit regarding the authentic National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The case, which is presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, involves Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute within the party. Anyanwu had originally sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun, as 1st and 2nd defendants, in a bid to assert his position as the National Secretary of the party.

The suit, which was filed on February 13, had prayed the court for an order of interim injunction, restraining INEC from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence from the PDP not signed by Anyanwu pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction. Anyanwu also sought an order of interim injunction restraining Mr. Damagun from dispatching to INEC any correspondence purportedly emanating from PDP signed by the acting chair and not counter-signed by him. After taking arguments from lawyers representing parties in the suit, Justice Inyang Ekwo, who initially handled the case, fixed March 25 for judgment.

However, on the scheduled date for judgment, Anyanwu brought an application seeking to amend his originating process to correct the issue for determination. Following the request, the court then fixed May 19 for hearing of the motion, which was also objected to by parties in the suit. It is worth noting that following applications for joinder, the court had included the PDP and Mr. Udeh-Okoye in the suit as 3rd and 4th defendants. The court also joined the National Vice Chairman, PDP South-east, Ali Odela, and Deputy National Secretary of the party, Setonji Koshoedo, as 5th and 6th defendants, respectively. These developments have added complexity to the case, with multiple parties now involved in the dispute.

The case was later transferred to Justice Mohammed Umar for determination. During the recent proceedings, Anyanwu’s counsel, U. C. Njemanze-Aku, informed the court that the matter was originally slated for mention and that the plaintiff had received a letter from the 5th defendant requesting an adjournment until September. Njemanze-Aku told the court that while they are not against the request for adjournment, they would appreciate a shorter date from the court. Other parties represented in court also aligned themselves with the position of the plaintiff. This development suggests that all parties are willing to have the matter heard, albeit on a later date.

Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, however, informed the court that the issue currently before the court had been resolved by the apex court, which held that the subject matter before the court is the exclusive domain of political parties. Erokoro indicated that he would be filing an application attaching the judgment of the Supreme Court to support his argument. This new development has raised questions about the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the current case. Will the judgment be a game-changer in the dispute, or will it have limited bearing on the outcome? These are questions that only time will answer.

In response to the recent developments, Justice Umar directed all parties to file their responses to Anyanwu’s motion for amendment, adding that the motion, as well as all objections, would be heard on September 22. This directive sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the case, with all parties expected to present their arguments and counter-arguments. The court’s decision to adjourn the matter allows for a thorough consideration of the complex issues involved, and the September 22 hearing is expected to be a crucial milestone in the case.

The court’s decision to hear the motion and objections on September 22 has significant implications for the parties involved. For Anyanwu, the hearing represents an opportunity to press his claim and demonstrate the strength of his case. For the defendants, the hearing is a chance to challenge Anyanwu’s assertions and present their own arguments. With the Supreme Court’s judgment potentially playing a crucial role in determining the outcome, the case is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders in the PDP and the wider political community.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the matter. Will Anyanwu’s bid to assert his position as National Secretary succeed, or will the defendants succeed in challenging his claim? The outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for the PDP and its leadership, and the September 22 hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the trajectory of the dispute. With the court’s decision looming large, all parties involved are expected to prepare thoroughly for the hearing, as the fate of the PDP’s leadership hangs in the balance.