Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 22 for the hearing of a suit concerning the rightful National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The date was agreed upon by all parties for a conclusive hearing on the various motions related to the suit filed by Samuel Anyanwu, who is contesting his removal as National Secretary.
The case, now before Justice Umar for the first time, was previously assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo, who had initially fixed March 25 for judgment.
However, before the ruling could be delivered, Anyanwu filed an application seeking to amend his original suit to clarify the issues for determination.
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In the initial suit, Anyanwu named the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, as the first and second defendants. Through his lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN), Anyanwu had sought an interim order restraining INEC from recognizing or acting on any PDP correspondence not signed by him. He also requested an order stopping Damagun from sending any such correspondence to INEC unless co-signed by him.
Following a series of procedural developments, including the addition of new parties to the suit—such as the PDP itself, Udeh-Okoye, the National Vice Chairman (South-East) Ali Odela, and the Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo—the matter was reassigned to Justice Umar.
At the hearing on Thursday, Anyanwu’s counsel, U.C. Njemanze-Aku, informed the court that although the case was initially scheduled for mention, the fifth defendant had requested an adjournment to September. While not opposing the adjournment, the plaintiff’s counsel requested an earlier date. Other legal representatives agreed with this position.
Meanwhile, Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing Udeh-Okoye, told the court that the Supreme Court had already ruled on the matter, stating that issues regarding party leadership are internal to political parties. He noted that he would file an application to present the Supreme Court’s judgment to the court.
Justice Umar directed all parties to submit their responses to Anyanwu’s motion for amendment and confirmed that the motion, along with all objections, will be heard on September 22.
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