A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Senator Samuel Anyanwu to submit the Supreme Court’s March 21 judgment before a ruling can be made in his case.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on Tuesday while presiding over the case concerning the leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the controversy over the party’s National Secretary position was not a matter for judicial intervention, overturning previous judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Enugu State.
The apex court emphasized that internal party mechanisms should be used to resolve such disputes.
Anyanwu was removed from his position as PDP National Secretary after contesting in the Imo State governorship election.
In his place, Sunday Udeh-Okoye was appointed, with support from the PDP’s Board of Trustees and National Working Committee.
Displeased with the decision, Anyanwu challenged his removal at the Supreme Court and also sought to halt the enforcement of lower court rulings through a separate suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Udeh-Okoye, in response, argued that Anyanwu lost his position upon becoming the PDP’s governorship candidate, citing the party’s constitution, which mandates resignation before contesting for an elective office.
He maintained that his appointment followed due process, as PDP regulations allow a replacement from the same zone to complete an unfinished tenure.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Anyanwu’s counsel, Ken Njamanze (SAN), referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating it had resolved the legal issues surrounding the National Secretary position.
Justice Ekwo then ordered the submission of the judgment before delivering his ruling, adjourning the case until April 28.