The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenging his removal as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC, in its counter-affidavit filed on March 7, contended that the ongoing dispute should be deferred until the Supreme Court resolves an appeal on the matter.
In its affidavit, INEC emphasized that political parties’ correspondence must be signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary, in line with its regulations.
According to Vanguard, the commission also argued that the court’s jurisdiction does not extend to internal party matters.
At the court hearing, Chief Udeh-Okoye Enemchukwu, endorsed by the PDP as Anyanwu’s replacement, reiterated that Anyanwu had forfeited his position after being nominated as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Imo State in 2023.
He referenced the PDP constitution, stating that Anyanwu’s candidacy breached the rules, necessitating his resignation. Enemchukwu further noted that the PDP’s Board of Trustees had raised concerns over the constitutional violation in October 2023.
The ongoing legal battle stems from a series of court rulings, with the Court of Appeal in Enugu upholding a High Court decision that sacked Anyanwu, recognizing Enemchukwu as the authentic National Secretary. Anyanwu has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the rulings.
Justice Inyang Ekwo has adjourned the case to March 25 to address all preliminary objections before the substantive suit is heard.
