Politics

PDP crisis: Anyanwu asks DSS, police to enforce Appeal Court order

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2025

Senator Samuel Anyanwu

PDP crisis: Anyanwu asks DSS, police to enforce Appeal Court order

The embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, yesterday took his case to the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), 24 hours after the PDP Governors Forum decided to support his rival for the office, Sunday Ude-Okoye.

Anyanwu sought the intervention of the security agencies and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the January 13, 2025 order of the Court of Appeal directing all the parties involved in his case to “maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.”

In effect, he wants security protection to enable him access his office at the PDP National Secretariat to continue to carry out his duties as opposed to Ude-Okoye.

Anyanwu has already filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to overturn the December 20, 2024 judgment of the Court of Appeal that Ude-Okoye should replace him (Anyanwu) as National Secretary.

The PDP Governors’ Forum, during its Friday meeting in Asaba, hinged its decision to back Ude-Okoye on the December ruling.

The governors directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to abide by and implement the court’s decision.

However, Anyanwu, in his first reaction to the governors’ position late Friday insisted that he remained the National Secretary of the party, having obtained a stay of execution on the Court of Appeal’s decision.

He said the Asaba communiqué on his status was nothing to worry about.

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But yesterday, he sent a petition to the Inspector General of Police, asking for the deployment of armed security personnel at the party’s national secretariat to enforce the Court of Appeal’s order on maintaining the status quo ante bellum and to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Copies of the petition were sent to the Director General of the DSS, the Comptroller General of the NSCDC, President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria through the Supreme Court.

Anyanwu, in the petition entitled Security Alert: The Advice of PDP Governors Forum to the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party an Invitation to Chaos and Affront to the Rule Of Law,” drew the attention of the police to what he called an urgent need to “take note of Paragraph 3 of the communique issued by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum after their meeting which took place in Asaba, Delta State on Friday, January 31, 2025.”

He said: “In the quoted Paragraph 3 of the communique, the Forum advised the NWC to set up machinery for the implementation of the Enugu Court of Appeal judgment which favoured the nomination of SKD Ude -Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.

“The police should be aware that an appeal has been filed in the Supreme Court against the quoted judgment; furthermore, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja granted an order on January 13, 2025, clearly directing both parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.

“The order accordingly was duly served on all parties concerned, including the National Working Committee of PDP and INEC.

“It is a settled matter in law that when a judgment is appealed against to a superior court, all parties should maintain status quo ante belum till the matter is finally determined. The Governors cannot claim ignorance of this position of law before issuing their statement, which runs in conflict with the court decision.”

He reminded the police of the January 29, 2025 alleged invasion of the PDP National Secretariat by “hired thugs and bandits to unleash attacks intended to disrupt “a meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT); an action he described as “completely unlawful and in total disregard to the judiciary and the rule of law.”

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He said it was saddening that “the Governors in their expected wisdom have allowed themselves to be deceived by the sponsors of Ude- Okoye.”

He claimed that some people are already “facing criminal investigations by the police” for allegedly forging PDP guidelines which “they used to mislead the courts in securing the ill-fated judgments.”

He expressed concerns about likely and deliberate invitation to chaos at the PDP National Secretariat and urged the IGP, DG of DSS and the courts to seriously consider logical options to avert such.

His words: “Police is therefore being alerted of the grave dangers that will ensue in the attempt of the NWC to implement the quoted advice of the PDP Governors Forum enshrined in paragraph 3 of their communique; it will be an invitation to chaos and affront to the judiciary and the rule of law, especially when the matter is pending before the superior courts for determination.

“I am by this letter calling on you to take necessary steps to forestall the crises being instigated by PDP governors and the sponsors of Ude- Okoye; the National Working Committee of PDP should be advised to refrain from any action that will be contrary to the position of the court on this matter.

“It is my right as a lawful citizen to seek justice against a judgment that was fraudulently secured against me.

“In the interest of peace, safety of lives and property of innocent Nigerians, all parties to this case should be cautioned to conduct themselves in line with the rule of law and decision of the Court of Appeal to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the motion. Anything contrary to this will be vehemently resisted.

“I still remain the validly elected National Secretary of PDP until the court rules otherwise.”

On Friday, he said the PDP constitution does not recognise the Governors’ Forum as a formal or constitutional organ of the party.

“It is only a pressure group, so their communique is advisory,” he said.

“It is very likely that that they did that today (yesterday) to please Governor Peter Mbah who spearheaded this.

“The Constitution of Nigeria and the courts of the land tower above all; the Appeal Court gave an order for a stay of execution that is in my favour and it is clear that as we speak today, in compliance with the law and the order of the court of law, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will not dare deal with any other person in PDP as National Secretary except me.

The PDP crisis erupted soon after the May 2022 presidential primary where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was picked as the party’s flag bearer.

A group in the party, led by the then governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike and comprising four other governors, had demanded the resignation of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman to avoid a situation where Northerners would hold both the presidential ticket and chairmanship position.

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The Atiku faction refused to accede to the request.

Wike and his group took that as a violation of the principle of equity within the party and vowed to not work for PDP in the 2023 election campaign.

They carried out their threat and the party lost at the polls.

The crisis has lingered ever since, and with the 2027 elections approaching, the two sides are now locked in a fierce battle for the control of the soul of the party with each side determined to have its own supporters run the party.

The objective is that the side with its people in charge of the NWC will have an edge in producing the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.

It is widely believed that Atiku is still interested in the presidential race.

A former deputy national chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, on Friday decried the situation in his party and warned that the unresolved internal wrangling could cost it the 2027 elections

He said: “I have always stated that when you have a little problem and you don’t arrest it on time, it becomes cancerous and affects everybody.

“I believe that at the stage we are, whatever is happening between the two Secretaries—Anyanwu and the other former National Youth Leader of the party—is a reflection of the lackluster approach to solving this problem.

“I was disgusted and ashamed that this kind of crisis would get to a crescendo where our public image is being eroded. It was a show of shame and very disgraceful.

“My take is this: the contentious matter is that the former youth leader went to the Court of Appeal, which gave him judgment that he was right to take over the office of the National Secretary, and Anyanwu went to another court that ordered the status quo to be maintained.

“It looks depressing and disgusting when you consider that a party, which is like an Iroko tree, is being decimated because of personal ambition. It bothers some of us who have been part of the party since 1998.

“Resolving this crisis at the midpoint doesn’t make any political sense. Let us set up a committee to conduct an in-depth analysis of what happened.

“All sides of the divide are making us very angry. People are starting to say that our party is dead, but we say no, we can disagree without being disagreeable.

“I will remain consistent in my argument that we must go to the root of this madness so that it will never repeat itself.

“We have to set up a proper committee to resolve the mess from that convention. We must avoid this dirty public image.”

PDP crisis: Anyanwu asks DSS, police to enforce Appeal Court order

Related Topics:Anyanwu court order PDP Crisis

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Obidients Movement Escalates Pressure on INEC, Demands Joash Amupitan Step Down

Published

5 hours ago

April 2, 2026

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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan

Obidients Movement Escalates Pressure on INEC, Demands Joash Amupitan Step Down

The Obidients Movement has announced plans for a nationwide protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan over the commission’s handling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis.

The movement claims that recent INEC actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy and compromise the neutrality of key institutions. In a statement released Wednesday, Obidients warned that inaction at this critical moment amounts to complicity.

“There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the group said.

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The Obidients Movement accused INEC of bias and political interference in opposition party leadership disputes. They cited gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold neutrality, arguing that these actions undermine the credibility of the electoral process. The group also demanded full respect for party autonomy, an immediate end to political persecution, and protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The nationwide protests will take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In Abuja, demonstrators are set to assemble at the ADC National Headquarters before marching to the INEC Secretariat in Maitama. Organizers emphasized that the protest will be peaceful and lawful, noting it is a civic duty to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, not an expression of anger.

“We will remain peaceful, we will remain lawful, but we will not stand by while our democracy is weakened,” the statement said.

Authorities have reportedly deployed heavy security at INEC headquarters ahead of the protest to maintain order and prevent clashes. The Obidients Movement’s action comes amid rising concerns over electoral integrity, opposition suppression, and the future of Nigeria’s multi-party system.

Obidients Movement Escalates Pressure on INEC, Demands Joash Amupitan Step Down

Politics

Timi Frank: INEC Actions Threaten Democracy, Calls on Trump to Support Nigeria

Published

8 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank

Timi Frank: INEC Actions Threaten Democracy, Calls on Trump to Support Nigeria

A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, calling for urgent action from both domestic institutions and the international community, including the United States.

Frank made the remarks on Thursday in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to suspend recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a long-standing internal dispute. The commission said it would await the outcome of a pending Federal High Court suit in Abuja before determining which faction to officially recognise.

According to Frank, INEC’s action is part of a wider pattern that threatens fair political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the challenges facing opposition parties are not isolated incidents but a coordinated effort to weaken alternative political structures in Nigeria. He noted that major parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have faced similar internal crises, and now the ADC is being affected.

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Frank further expressed concern over the judiciary, alleging that some court decisions are being used to frustrate political parties and derail democratic processes. He said the pattern of judicial interference is reminiscent of tactics employed during the era of former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, when democratic institutions were widely suppressed.

He also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that recent government actions point to authoritarian tendencies. Frank suggested that attempts to retain power at all costs could have serious consequences for the country’s democratic governance and warned that Nigeria risks sliding into instability if urgent measures are not taken.

“Nigeria is about to head into anarchy and a crisis that might be difficult to curtail,” Frank said, urging Nigerians and political institutions to defend democratic institutions before it is too late. He called on groups including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and traditional rulers to act decisively.

Frank also appealed to the international community to monitor developments closely. He specifically called on the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to encourage and support the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria, stressing the strategic importance of global engagement in safeguarding free elections.

Meanwhile, the ADC rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, insisting that the commission acted under pressure from the federal government and did not reflect the party’s actual leadership. The party confirmed that consultations are ongoing to determine the next steps and reaffirmed that over 40,000 Nigerians have joined the party recently, signaling sustained grassroots support.

Analysts say the ongoing ADC leadership crisis underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape and highlights the challenges opposition parties face in maintaining cohesion and credibility. The dispute could have significant implications for political realignments and electoral dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Timi Frank: INEC Actions Threaten Democracy, Calls on Trump to Support Nigeria

Politics

ADC Defies INEC, Moves Ahead with Congresses, Convention

Published

13 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC Defies INEC, Moves Ahead with Congresses, Convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, notwithstanding uncertainties surrounding its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Abdullahi disclosed that the ADC had duly notified Independent National Electoral Commission of its scheduled activities, in compliance with the statutory requirement of issuing a 21-day notice. He added that the commission acknowledged receipt of the notice.

Despite INEC’s stance on the party’s leadership crisis, Abdullahi maintained that the ADC would not suspend its internal processes, stressing its resolve to conduct its congresses and national convention as planned.

“We will go ahead with our congresses. We have given INEC 21 days’ notice, and they have accepted the notice. Whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses and our convention,” he said.

The ADC spokesman also raised concerns over what he described as increasing threats to Nigeria’s democratic process, warning against alleged moves to stifle political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that recent developments suggest attempts to limit voters’ choices, drawing parallels with past experiences in the country’s political history.

“If we were in a military regime, one could understand. But we are seeing a situation where everything is being done to make the 2027 election a fait accompli, leaving Nigerians with little or no choice,” Abdullahi stated.

The controversy follows INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, from its official portal.

The electoral body had also indicated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through judicial means.

Amid the uncertainty, Abdullahi reiterated the party’s commitment to sustaining its internal democratic processes, warning that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from actions capable of undermining political plurality.