PDP National Secretary Anyanwu Petitions IG and DSS, Accuses Governors of Undermining Court Order

Power Struggle in PDP Escalates as Anyanwu Seeks Security Intervention

The internal crisis within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, petitions the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Anyanwu alleges that a recent communiqué issued by PDP governors disregards a Federal High Court order and undermines the rule of law within the party.

This latest development adds fuel to an already intense power struggle within the PDP, raising concerns about leadership conflicts, judicial overreach, and party stability ahead of critical elections.

The Battle for PDP’s National Secretary Position

The controversy surrounding Anyanwu’s leadership began after he emerged as the PDP's governorship candidate for the November 11, 2023, election in Imo State. Party members and stakeholders called for him to step down from his National Secretary role to focus on his governorship race.

In response, the PDP’s South-East Zonal Executive Committee nominated Sunday Udeh-Okoye as his replacement on October 20, 2023. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) later appointed Setonji Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary, as interim National Secretary on November 14, 2023.

However, this decision triggered legal action. Two party members, Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo's Godspower, filed a lawsuit to block Anyanwu’s removal. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, issued an injunction on November 23, 2023, preventing Anyanwu’s removal pending a full hearing.

On January 9, 2024, the court ruled in Anyanwu’s favor, affirming him as the legitimate National Secretary and declaring that his removal before December 9, 2025, would be unconstitutional. (Punch)

Governors' Communiqué Sparks Controversy

Despite the court’s ruling, a recent communiqué issued by PDP governors appears to challenge Anyanwu’s legitimacy, prompting his petition to the IG and DSS.

According to Anyanwu, the communiqué:

• Violates a Court Order: By challenging the judiciary’s ruling, the statement directly contradicts legal directives.
• Erodes the Rule of Law: Anyanwu warns that ignoring the court’s decision sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
• Threatens PDP’s Stability: The communiqué could deepen internal divisions, leading to leadership instability and potential electoral setbacks.

Anyanwu Calls for Security Intervention

In his petition, Anyanwu urges the IG and DSS to:

• Investigate the Source of the Communiqué: Identify the individuals responsible for drafting and circulating it.
• Prevent Party Destabilization: Ensure that all party factions comply with the court order to avoid a leadership vacuum.
• Enforce Legal Rulings: Uphold the rule of law by preventing any actions that contradict the court’s decision.

Political and Legal Implications

This crisis within the PDP highlights deeper governance challenges, with potential consequences for:

• Party Leadership and Power Balance: The resolution of this dispute will influence future leadership structures within the PDP.
• Judiciary's Role in Political Conflicts: The case sets a precedent for how courts intervene in political party disputes.
• Public Perception of PDP’s Credibility: Nigerians will be watching how the party navigates internal conflicts amid calls for democratic reforms.

What’s Next for the PDP?

As tensions escalate, political analysts predict that this dispute could impact the PDP’s performance in upcoming elections, especially in key battleground states. The actions of the IG and DSS, along with the party’s response, will determine whether the PDP emerges stronger or more divided from this crisis.

The battle for control within Nigeria’s main opposition party is far from over, and the country watches closely as the PDP leadership tussle unfolds.