In what seems to be significant victory towards recovering the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the hands of destroyers, 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.
Delivering judgement in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu vs. INEC & Ors, Justice Umar this Tuesday, January 20, 2026, threw away the Senator Anyanwu’s claims, consequently, bringing an end to his prolonged effort to extend his tenure beyond the original term.
The High Court Judge reiterated that matters of political party leadership, structure, and administration are internal affairs and not subject to judicial interference and therefore aligned with established Supreme Court precedents that limit court involvement in how parties manage their officers.
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, and described Anyanwu’s insistence as an abuse of judicial process.
While recalling that Senator Anyanwu was elected National Secretary in 2021 for a fixed term, Justice Umar held that he could not lawfully remain in office after the term expired, irrespective of arguments concerning delayed conventions or extensions.
Recall, Senator Anyanwu had sought an injunction to prevent his removal and to compel INEC to accept only documents bearing his signature.
He had also contended that his tenure should continue until December 2025 due to postponements in the party’s national convention.
Analysts say the judgment represents a major legal defeat for Anyanwu and the Nyesom Wike led group of the PDP who pursued several court actions over the past two years in an attempt to hold onto the position.
