The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed an attempt by Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing his removal.
Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the court could not grant Anyanwu’s request without first hearing from INEC and other parties involved.
Anyanwu, through his counsel, Ken Njemanze (SAN), had sought an ex parte order barring INEC from accepting any correspondence or submissions from the PDP unless they bore his signature. He also requested that the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, be restrained from sending official documents to INEC without his authorization.
While acknowledging the urgency of the case, Justice Ekwo emphasized the need for due process, stating that all concerned parties must be heard before any ruling is made.
He directed Anyanwu to serve court notices to INEC and Damagum and scheduled the case for hearing on February 24.
Cross River PDP Calls for Peace, Supports South-South Governors on Zonal Congress
Meanwhile, the Cross River State chapter of the PDP has called for unity and a peaceful resolution of internal disputes within the party.
During a meeting at the party’s secretariat in Calabar on Wednesday, acting State Chairman Denis Nkiri and 31 members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) reaffirmed their commitment to reorganizing the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
The chapter expressed support for the South-South PDP Governors’ Forum and backed their decision to hold the party’s zonal congress in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as per tradition.
A faction of the party had earlier demanded that the zonal congress be held in Calabar, challenging the long-standing practice of using Port Harcourt as the zonal headquarters.
However, the Cross River chapter endorsed the governors’ stance, emphasizing adherence to the PDP constitution and established guidelines.
A communiqué signed by SEC members, including the State Working Committee and chapter chairpersons, reaffirmed:
“In accordance with our party’s constitution as amended in 2017 (Section 50, Subsections 2c, d, and e), all zonal congresses must be held at the designated zonal headquarters, which for the South-South region is Port Harcourt. We reject any move to convene zonal congresses in Calabar.”
The SEC also urged PDP leaders to be selfless and inclusive in their approach, ensuring that the party elects capable officials to strengthen its position ahead of 2027.
“Our party must remain committed to the rule of law, internal stability, and the welfare of Nigerians. The forthcoming South-South zonal congress will be pivotal for the PDP’s future success in the region,” the communiqué stated.
