By Ogochukwu Isioma
National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South South Zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has congratulated Senator Samuel Anyanwu following his victory at the Supreme Court, which affirmed him as the authentic National Secretary of the party.
In a congratulatory message on Friday issued on behalf of the newly elected South-South Zonal Working Committee, Orbih described the judgment as a landmark ruling that not only restores Anyanwu’s position but also upholds the rule of law and constitutionalism within the PDP.
The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the newly elected members of the South South Zonal Working Committee, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding victory in the Supreme Court, affirming you as the authentic National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“This landmark judgment not only restores your position as National Secretary but also reinforces the values of rule of law and constitutionalism within our great party.”
He urged Anyanwu to be bold, firm, and courageous in the discharge of his duties as he resumes office, emphasizing that his leadership is critical in guiding the PDP toward a stronger future.
“Your leadership is vital in steering the PDP towards a brighter future, and we are confident in your ability to navigate the challenges ahead with wisdom and integrity,” he noted.
Chief Orbih assured Anyanwu of the unwavering support and cooperation of the PDP South South zone, under his leadership, as well as the commitment of the Zonal Working Committee to work collaboratively with him in strengthening the party.
“Together, we will strive to build a stronger and more vibrant PDP that is true to its core principles. Congratulations once again, and may your tenure be marked by success and transformative progress for our party,” the statement concluded.
The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the judgments of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, which sacked Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary of the PDP.
A five-member panel of the apex court held that the issue of who is the National Secretary of the PDP borders on the internal affairs of a political party which is not justiciable.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead judgment of the Supreme Court, consequently struck out the judgment of the trial court delivered in October 2024 and also set aside the majority judgment of the court of appeal which had in December affirmed the sack of Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary.
Justice Tukur subsequently affirmed the minority judgment of the appellate court delivered by Justice Ekanem, which had nullified the judgment of the trial court on account of lack of jurisdiction.
Besides, the apex court held that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel, who initiated the suit at the trial court lacked the necessary legal backing to do so since he did not show how he was affected by who is the National Secretary of the PDP.
The petitioner had accused Anyanwu of engaging in anti-party activities contrary to the provisions of Article 58 (1)(f) of the PDP Constitution.
