By: Daure David
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has reiterated the principle of Party Supremacy, directing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manage its internal affairs regarding the ongoing dispute over the position of National Secretary. This judgment came after Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which had earlier removed him from office.
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court emphasized that political parties have the constitutional right to resolve internal issues without undue external interference, as long as such processes align with the party’s rules and the laws of the country. The court’s ruling brings clarity to the ongoing legal battle and reaffirms the importance of political party autonomy in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The case stemmed from a contest between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Rt Hon Sunday Ude-Okoye for the office of National Secretary of the PDP, with the dispute escalating to the apex court after the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye on December 20, 2024.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, set aside the lower court’s ruling, asserting that the dispute was an internal matter within the PDP and should be resolved in accordance with the party’s constitution. The court clarified that its role was not to interfere in the leadership selection process of political parties, but rather to ensure that due process, justice, and fairness were upheld in the dispute.
In the lead judgment, the Supreme Court urged the PDP leadership, including the National Working Committee (NWC), to take full responsibility for resolving the matter. The court’s directive emphasized the need for the PDP to handle the situation in a manner that reflects the party’s commitment to democracy, fairness, and internal cohesion.
This ruling has been hailed as a victory for the autonomy of political parties and a reaffirmation of the need for stronger internal democracy within the PDP. It is now incumbent upon the party’s leadership to ensure that the dispute is resolved swiftly and in accordance with the party’s constitution, which includes honoring the recommendations of the South East Caucus nominating Rt Hon SKE Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.
The judgment also calls on the PDP to act with urgency to foster unity and progress within its ranks, ensuring that internal disagreements do not undermine the party’s overall strength and cohesion as it prepares for future political challenges.
This significant decision is expected to set a precedent for future cases involving party leadership disputes and underscores the importance of self-governance and respect for party constitutions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
