The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has dismissed the endorsement of his rival by the PDP Governors’ Forum, insisting that he remains the legitimate occupant of the position.
In an interview with Vanguard on Friday night, Anyanwu stated that the Governors’ Forum is not an official organ of the PDP, and therefore, its endorsement carries no legal weight. He described the forum’s decision as politically motivated and intended to serve the interests of select party members.
Anyanwu: Governors’ Forum Lacks Authority
Rejecting the communique issued by the PDP Governors’ Forum after its recent meeting, Anyanwu reiterated that their decision does not affect his legal standing as the party’s National Secretary.
“First and foremost, the PDP Governors’ Forum is not an organ of our party, so I’m unperturbed by the communique they issued after their meeting. One fact remains: I am the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
He further emphasized that the Governors’ Forum is merely a pressure group within the party and does not have the constitutional power to determine party leadership positions.
“The Governors’ Forum is just one of several pressure groups in our party. Even their communique is biased. There’s a likelihood that they made their decision to satisfy Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State,” Anyanwu added.
Anyanwu cited a recent Appeal Court decision that granted a stay of execution on an earlier judgment which had attempted to remove him from office. He argued that the court’s current ruling is in his favor, reaffirming his legal standing as the party’s National Secretary.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our courts remain supreme in such matters. The Appeal Court granted a stay of execution on the earlier judgment, and that decision supports my position. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.”
He also warned that any attempt to recognize another individual as National Secretary would be legally invalid.
INEC’s Recognition of Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary
Anyanwu further emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still recognizes him as the legitimate PDP National Secretary and will not acknowledge any rival claimant to the position.
“I am fully complying with the court order, and in case they are not aware, INEC will not recognize any other person besides me as PDP National Secretary.”
The dispute over the PDP National Secretary position highlights internal tensions within the party. While the Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind another candidate, Anyanwu remains resolute, relying on legal backing to maintain his position. The coming days will likely see further political and legal maneuvers as the battle for control continues within the PDP.
