Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s legal bid to remain as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to block the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing other party correspondence.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu vs. INEC & Ors, the court on January 20, 2026, rejected the former senator’s claims, bringing an end to his prolonged effort to extend his tenure beyond the original term.
The ruling rested on three principal grounds:Non-justiciability of Internal Party Matters
The court reiterated that issues of political party leadership, structure, and administration are internal affairs and not subject to judicial interference.
This position aligns with established Supreme Court precedents that limit court involvement in how parties manage their officers.
Abuse of Court Process
Justice Umar highlighted the existence of multiple overlapping lawsuits on the same issue across various courts, including High Courts, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, describing this as an abuse of judicial process.
Expiration of Tenure
Senator Anyanwu was elected National Secretary in 2021 for a fixed term. The court held that he could not lawfully remain in office after the term expired, irrespective of arguments concerning delayed conventions or extensions.
Anyanwu had sought an injunction to prevent his removal and to compel INEC to accept only documents bearing his signature.
He previously contended that his tenure should continue until December 2025 due to postponements in the party’s national convention.
The matter had been transferred from the docket of suspended Justice Inyang Ekwo to Justice M. G. Umar during proceedings.
PDP Leadership Update
The PDP now functions under the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), elected at the National Convention in Ibadan in November 2025. At that convention, Senator Anyanwu and several other senior members were expelled from the party.
The judgment represents a major legal defeat for Anyanwu, who pursued several court actions over the past two years in an attempt to hold onto the position.
It reinforces the judiciary’s consistent stance against adjudicating intra-party disputes.Neither Senator Anyanwu nor his legal team has issued an immediate reaction to the ruling.
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