The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of resolution, as 11 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have taken action against the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, in a legal battle over the party’s secretary position.
The NWC members have called for Damagum’s removal to pave the way for new leadership. They also urged that Anyanwu be replaced, as he is now the PDP candidate for the Imo State governorship election.
In a letter dated January 21 and addressed separately to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and the President/Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, the 11 NWC members asserted that the committee had not authorized Damagum to appoint Dr. J. Y. Musa, SAN, to represent the party in the appeal case.
The letter was signed by key NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN; National Treasurer, Yayari Ahmed; National Deputy Secretary, Setonji Ikoshoedo; National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; and National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro. Other signatories were National Women Leader, Amina Bryhm; National Auditor, Obi Okechukwu; National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa; National Vice Chairman (North East), Emmanuel Bovoa; and National Vice Chairman (North West), Hayatu Gwarzo, whose name appeared without a signature.
The members emphasized that the responsibility of appointing external solicitors lies with the National Legal Adviser, in accordance with Article 42 of the party’s constitution.
The letters were received and stamped on January 23 and 24 by the respective judicial offices. The crisis within the PDP has persisted both before and after the 2023 general elections.
Since assuming office, Damagum has faced criticism from party members, who blame him for the party’s ongoing troubles. He succeeded former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, who was removed by court order for failing to implement necessary reforms. Consequently, the party’s reputation has suffered, and its influence has diminished.
For several months, party leaders and stakeholders from the North-Central Zone have advocated for appointing a permanent national chairman to complete Ayu’s tenure and restore stability.
The leadership crisis has been further aggravated by disputes over the National Secretary position. In 2023, the PDP’s South-East zone nominated former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, arguing that Anyanwu should relinquish his position due to his governorship candidacy.
On December 20, 2024, the Appeal Court in Enugu confirmed Ude-Okoye as National Secretary, a ruling officially communicated to the party leadership on December 24. However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja later issued a restraining order, directing Anyanwu to retain the position until the Supreme Court rules on the appeal.
The hearing on the motion to stay execution, filed by Damagum, is scheduled for January 27, 2025.
The case has now reached the Supreme Court, with earlier court rulings based on a letter dated December 20, 2024, which authorized Musa, SAN, to represent the PDP in the appeal regarding the National Secretary position.
Damagum’s letter to the senior advocate read in part, “I write on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, for myself, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagun, representing the National Executive and Working Committee of PDP and others sued as defendants in APPEAL NO: CA/E/23/2024: Senator Samuel Anyanwu vs Aniagu Emmanuel and 3 Ors. currently filed at the Supreme Court.
“I hereby instruct you to represent and defend us in the Appeal under reference at the Supreme Court.
“Wherefore you need further information, I request that you contact me personally.”
In response, the 11 NWC members, in a letter to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, stated that the party did not appoint Musa as its legal representative.
The 11 NWC members’ letter read in part, “Our attention has been drawn to a letter of instruction signed by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP purportedly on behalf of the party, the NWC and the National Executive Committee, appointing Dr J. Y. Musa, SAN, to represent the party and all others at the Supreme Court in appeal emanating from Appeal No. CA/E/23/2024 – Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu Vs Aniagu Emmanuel and 3 Ors.
“We respectfully urge the Supreme Court and everyone concerned to disregard the said letter. The NWC did not authorise the Acting National Chairman to issue the letter under reference for the party, the National Working Committee, or the National Executive Committee.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility of appointing external solicitors to handle cases on behalf of the party is that of the National Legal Adviser according to Article 42 of the party’s constitution and not that of any other NWC member.
“We, therefore, urge the Supreme Court to disregard the representation of Dr J. Y. Musa or any other person appointed by the Acting National Chairman on behalf of the party in any appeal or application emanating from the appeal under reference.”
The 11 NWC members also wrote to the President/Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, urging the court to disregard Musa’s representation or any other appointment made by the Acting National Chairman for the party in any appeal related to the case.
The National Legal Adviser confirmed being aware of the letter and stated that he signed it.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Ologunagba stated that the letter represented the majority stance of the NWC on the issue.
The PDP Publicity Secretary stated, “Yes, I signed it, and other members of the NWC also signed it. I believe other members signed it as well because that is the position of the substantial majority of the NWC to reposition the party.
“In the past, we have clarified this. The NWC has emphasised the exclusive authority of the National Legal Adviser of the party, in accordance with Section 42 of the PDP Constitution, to decide the party’s legal representation in all litigation.”
THE PUNCH……
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