PDP Crisis Escalates as Udeh Okoye Seeks to Join Anyanwu’s Lawsuit Against INEC

Reported by Ojo Racheal

The ongoing crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as Sunday Udeh-Okoye, the party’s former National Youth Leader, and the PDP itself have applied to join a legal battle initiated by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the beleaguered National Secretary.

This new development comes after Anyanwu filed a fresh suit on February 19, seeking to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, from removing him from his position.

Anyanwu, alleging an ongoing plot to oust him from his role as National Secretary, has taken legal action to preserve his position within the party. He filed the suit against INEC and Damagun at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing them of being involved in a conspiracy to unlawfully remove him from office.

The case was brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo, who is scheduled to preside over the matter in the coming days.

In a move that adds further complexity to the unfolding crisis, Udeh-Okoye, who was recognized by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) as the legitimate National Secretary following a Court of Appeal ruling, has requested to be formally joined as a party to the suit.

Udeh-Okoye’s bid to join Anyanwu’s lawsuit is seen as an effort to assert his claim to the position and defend the NWC’s recognition of his appointment.

According to Vanguard, the legal action comes amidst heightened tensions within the party, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the PDP’s unity and leadership structure.

Anyanwu's lawyers have asked the court for an urgent hearing to address the situation, citing the need for a swift resolution to prevent further disruption within the party.

The PDP’s internal dispute over the National Secretary position has sparked a series of legal challenges, leaving the party's leadership in a state of uncertainty.

As the court deliberates on the case, the outcome could have significant implications for the party's future leadership and its ability to maintain unity ahead of the upcoming elections.

Justice Ekwo, in a ruling on Anyanwu’s motion ex parte moved by his lawyer, Ken Njemanze, SAN, declined to grant the prayers but rather ordered him to put the defendants on notice to show cause on the next adjourned date why his prayers should not be granted.

The judge then adjourned until February 24 for the defendants to show cause.

When the matter was called on Monday, Njemanze informed the court that the matter was slated for the defendants to show cause.

Although INEC was represented by Ahmed Mohammed, no lawyer appeared for Damagun. However, Paul Erokoro, SAN, and Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, announced an appearance for parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

While Erokoro announced an appearance for Udeh-Okoye, Ogbole represented the PDP as parties seeking to be joined. Erokoro told the court that Udeh-Okoye is the substantive national secretary of the party. (NAN)