February 13, 2025

Press Statement

Anyanwu’s alleged Removal: Another Tale of Falsehood
….His Position Remains Untouchable till December, 2025 – Court

Our phones have been inundated with calls regarding a misleading story on the social media claiming that the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Amb Umar Iliya Damagun has bowed to pressure and purpotedly recognized Hon Udeh Okoye as “substantive” National Secretary.

This is not true. It is fake news and another tale of falsehood been peddled by desperate politicians and mischief makers working against the unity of PDP in a bid to continue to massage their political ego and illusions.

First, a statement credited to one Debo Olagunagba, the official spokesperson of Hon Udeh Okoye gave credence to the misleading story resulting to the public reactions or outcry. He claimed that the decision to recognize Hon Okoye was taken during an NWC meeting. Few hours after the statement was circulated, we tactically maintained a dignified silence to allow the mischief makers cruise on a fake ecstasy.

It is pertinent to clarify that members of the PDP National Working Committee never sat again after their last meeting penultimate week at the Wadata Plaza or anywhere whatsoever to take such decision on behalf of the party contrary to the statement credited to Deba Olagunagba. Infact, Dabo has absconded from duties since after he indulged himself in the business of demarketing the party.

However, the truth of the matter is that the position of the National Secretary currently occupied by Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu is facing no threat and should not have faced any threat whatsoever after a Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1580/2023 ordered that the PDP, being the first defendant in the matter cannot arbitrarily remove (Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu) without following the laid down procedure in Article 47 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2027).

The Court further ordered that every National Officer of PDP elected pursuant to Article 47 and 49 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2027) is entitled to serve out his tenure of four (4) years as provided by Article 47 (1) of the PDP Constitution.

Furthering, the court ordered that any meeting held or resolution reached by the PDP, the Acting National Chairman, the PDP NEC, or the PDP NWC to prematurely remove the National Secretary (Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu) whose tenure of office is still running or prevent him from exercising the powers or performing the functions of his office in violation of Article 47(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) is null, void and of no effect.

It is worthy to note that barely two years after this judgement was obtained, neither the PDP, the Acting National Chairman, the PDP NEC and NWC respectively has vacated this order. This is to say that up till today, this court judgement still subsists. The public is therefore enjoined to disregard the misleading and mischievous story from Dabo Olagunagba, an acclaimed official spokesperson of Hon Udeh Okoye and his group as Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of PDP.

While, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, in his capacity as the authentic, undeniable and irrevocable National Secretary continues to perform his duties, he therefore urges all PDP faithful across the 36 states, the FCT and the globe at large to be steadfast, loyal and dedicated to the programmes of the party now that PDP is working assiduously to provide viable, and effective opposition to the cruel and insensitive administration of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Signed

Ikenna ONUOHA, Ph.D, Mnipr
Special Adviser, Media