The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reaffirmed the principle of party supremacy and directed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manage its internal affairs, in a ruling on an appeal filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenging his removal as National Secretary of the party.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court emphasized that political parties have the autonomy to conduct their internal affairs without interference from external bodies, including the judiciary—provided their actions comply with their constitutions and the laws of the land.
The case, which involved a dispute between Senator Anyanwu and Rt. Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye over the position of PDP National Secretary, had advanced through the lower courts before culminating in this decisive ruling.
The Supreme Court set aside the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, delivered on December 20, 2024, which affirmed Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary. The apex court held that the matter was an internal party dispute and directed the PDP to resolve the issue through its established mechanisms as provided in its constitution.
Delivering the lead judgment, the court reiterated that the judiciary’s role is not to micro-manage political parties in their leadership selection processes, but to ensure adherence to due process, equity, justice, and fairness.
Accordingly, the court directed the PDP leadership, including its National Working Committee (NWC), to take full responsibility for resolving the matter in line with the party’s constitution and the democratic principles it upholds.
This ruling is widely seen as a victory for the sanctity of political party autonomy and a call to strengthen internal democracy.
In light of the judgment, the PDP is expected to act swiftly to implement the court’s directive, fostering unity and stability within its ranks. Party stakeholders are urging the leadership to uphold and implement the recommendations of the South East Caucus, which nominated Rt. Hon. SKE Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.
