The Supreme Court has ruled that Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This decision puts an end to a leadership dispute between Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, which had caused division among party members.

The disagreement started when Anyanwu left the position to run for the Imo State governorship election, which he lost. Afterward, his attempt to reclaim the role led to a legal battle, with Ude-Okoye securing a court ruling in his favor.

An Appeal Court in Enugu had previously upheld Anyanwu’s removal, affirming Ude-Okoye as the rightful secretary. However, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling, stating that leadership matters within a political party are internal issues and should not be decided by the courts.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the lead judgment, explained that courts can only interfere in party matters under special conditions. These include cases where the Nigerian Constitution grants jurisdiction, when a crime is committed, or when there is a violation of contractual rights. Since none of these conditions were met, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Anyanwu.

This verdict settles the controversy within the PDP, restoring Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.