Saturday, 7 June 2025

 *Damagum's Wisdom, Anyanwu's Challenge, and Cost of Illegality* 



In February 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Umar Damagum, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, penned a memo to the National Working Committee clarifying the legal stance on the National Secretary position.


With wisdom and seasoned diplomatic insight, Damagum urged the NWC to exercise patience and await INEC's guidance, the body tasked with regulating political parties in Nigeria. Yet, defying Damagum's counsel, some NWC members, allegedly monetized by opponents of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, pushed forward with unlawful actions.


After weeks of their missteps and maneuvering, the Supreme Court ruled decisively on March 21, 2025. It upheld all of Senator Anyanwu's claims, affirming his role as National Secretary and voiding the dubious 2023 and 2024 rulings of the Enugu High Court and Court of Appeal respectively. The apex court laid bare the folly of Anyanwu's adversaries and their lapdogs within the NWC.


Amid this turmoil, Senator Anyanwu remained composed, likely pondering why certain figures in privileged roles would demean their offices to target him. He might have wondered how Excellencies could stoop to act like political trolls, risking the party's foundation for personal agendas, or how those whose INEC nomination forms he endorsed could turn against him unjustly.


In this frame of mind, Anyanwu issued a bold challenge to the Governors, setting a condition for his resignation. "Show the public if I ever sought or received even a bottle of water from you, and I will step down," he declared at a Southeast PDP stakeholders' meeting on May 19, 2025. Three weeks later, not one Governor, not even Enugu's Peter Mbah, has responded.


As the saying goes, the grass suffers when elephants clash. The fallout from this Illegality is severe. The PDP has lost serving and former governors, numerous National and State Assembly members, and countless others to the All Progressives Congress, fearing for their political futures. The party, which once held four governorships in the oil-rich Southsouth zone, now clings to two, with rumors swirling that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's potential defection could reduce it to one. Whispers of further losses loom nationwide.


Worse, any national meetings, congresses, or primaries conducted without Senator Anyanwu's signed notice, as required by the PDP Constitution and Electoral Act, are legally void. This includes the Anambra State gubernatorial primary and the recent National Executive Committee meeting. Even the proposed August National Convention date lacks legal weight, as the notice of NEC meeting which adopted the Governors' proposal did not come from Senator Anyanwu. As I have noted previously, our leaders may have acted in good faith, but the party must rectify its errors.


The path forward lies in unity. Those committed to the PDP's success must align with the Acting National Chairman, National Secretary, and other dedicated stakeholders to uphold the party's constitutional processes impartially. Doing what is right will bring glory to the party, but doing otherwise attracts consequences.


'Tonye Barcanista

Monday, 26 May 2025

Anyanwu & PDP Selective Justice: Gov. Mbah & Makinde attempted Rape of Constitutionality and legality in PDP & threat, blackmail & propaganda

 Anyanwu & PDP Selective Justice: Gov. Mbah & Makinde  attempted Rape of Constitutionality and legality in PDP & threat, blackmail & propaganda



Plato once said, "Those who tell the stories rule society." and Hon. justice Kayode Eso also said, "Justice is the Minimum Wage everyone deserves", and that's why i have decided to tell the true story.


The question is that, Where was Gov. Seyi Makinde & Gov. Peter Mbah, and the congress guidelines allegedly doctored by their larkys Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye and Mr. Adeyemi Moyegun, the director of the directorate of organization & mobilization, when the following Party Staffs & officers Contested Elections without resigning & after loosing resume back?


1. Deputy director of administration, (now former) PDP HQ, Mr. Malaki, Enugu state, contested for house of representative failed came back.


2. Assistant director Finance, (now former) PDP HQ, Mr. Adetunji Adeyomo, Lagos state, contested for house of representative failed came back. 


3. Director Women Affairs, PDP HQ (now former), Hon. Adeza, Kaduna state, contested for house of representative failed came back. 


4. Deputy National Auditor, 2021 to 2025, Abdulrahman Mohammed, FCT, Contested for the national vice chairman North Central Zone.


5. Deputy National Publicity Secretary, 2021 to 2025, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Kebbi State, Contested for Governor.


6. National Organizing Secretary, 2021 - 2025, Hon. Capt. Umar Mohammed Bature, Sokoto State, Purchased Gubernatorial intent & interest form. 


7. Deputy National Organizing Secretary, 2021 to 2025, Senator (Chief) Dr. Ighoyota Amori, Delta State, Contested Senate.


8. National Treasurer, 2017 to 2021,  Hon. Aribisala Adewale, Ekiti State, Contested for Governor.


9. National Publicity Secretary, 2016 to 2017, Prince Adedayo Clement Adeyeye, Ekiti State, Contested for Governor.


10. PDP Chairman (former now governor) 2020 to 2022, Col. Agbu Kefas, Taraba State, was elected governor chairman.


What offence has the most distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu committed? He just like other national working committee (NWC) members, was elected on October 30th/31st, 2021, to serve a four (4) year term which will elapsed by December 10th, 2025.


Senator S. N. Anyanwu, with love for his people the (ndi Imo) and his drive and call to serve them, purchased the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Imo state gubernatorial form and emerged as the flag bearer of the party in April 12, 2023, for the November 11 election, after under going the necessary and due process of being nominated, screened and participated in the primary. Him loving his people & party the offence?  If their doctored fake congress guideline was the original, how come he scaled through the screening exercises without tendering any of such documents & emerge the candidate?


He proceeded on his annual leave which began from, the 18th of April, 2023 till May 24, 2023. This enabled him to concentrate on winning the Imo state gubernatorial election for our great party, with the self acclaimed leader of PDP in the South East and governor of Enugu State neither supported him financially nor supported him with his presence during his campaign, and after which, he resumed his position as national secretary. 


The Governor of Enugu State Mr. Peter Mbah, in an attempt to short change Imo state and install his kinsman and a misfit named Sunday Udeh-Okoye as national secretary of our great party, approached senator Samuel Anyanwu, on the campaign ground of the grand finale to demand for his resignation letter as a condition to support his governorship pursuit. This is after several failed attempts to coax senator Anyanwu, to get a resignation letter. 


And contrary to the false narrative created by the loyalist of both Mbah and Makinde, Anyanwu never resigned and that's why till date they couldn't produce or provide Anyanwu's resignation letter to back their propaganda and blackmail.


Now these rappers of our constitution and legality claimed that, the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, section 47 (5) requires  officers resignation before contesting election and section 48 (1) rejects officers holding dual office.


But contrary to the mischief makers claim and false narrative, the operational word in section 47 (5) is "May Resign and not Shall Resign", and in section 48 (1) Assumes & the offices to be assumed is list and being the candidate or flag bearers of PDP is not one of them because it's neither considered as an office nor mentioned on the list above.


I therefore, advise gov. Makinda and gov. Mbah, to desist from sponsoring mutiny, insubordination, subversion, blackmail and propaganda against PDP and it's national secretary and channel their resource and energy to constitutionality and legality and not unconstitutionality and illegality.


Comrade Daboikiabo Z Warmate 

SM to PDP National Secretary

Friday, 23 May 2025

A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRECEDENCE OF FINALITY & LEGALITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND THE PDP

 A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRECEDENCE OF FINALITY & LEGALITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND THE PDP



In the realm of legal battles, especially those reaching the apex court, political parties often prepare for a protracted conflict, understanding that the ultimate peace (or victory) is secured through rigorous legal argumentation and strategic maneuvering. 


The Supreme Court's judgment affirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) serves as a pertinent case study in examining the finality, legality, and implications of judicial pronouncements at the highest level.


At the heart of the legality of any Supreme Court judgment lies the principle of “stare decisis” the doctrine of precedent and the constitutional role of the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of justice. 

The Nigerian Constitution vests the Supreme Court with original and appellate jurisdiction, making its decisions binding on all lower courts and, by extension, on all persons and authorities in Nigeria. Once the Supreme Court delivers a judgment, it is considered final and conclusive. 


This finality is crucial for legal certainty, stability, and the effective administration of justice. Without it, litigation would be endless, and the rule of law would be undermined.


The legality of the Supreme Court's decision concerning Senator Anyanwu's position is therefore upheld in several fundamental tenets.


Firstly, the Court have meticulously reviewed all submissions, evidence, and arguments presented by the contending parties at all levels of the judicial hierarchy. This process involves interpreting relevant constitutional provisions, party guidelines, electoral laws, and previous judicial precedents that bear on the matter. The judgment is not merely an arbitrary declaration but the culmination of a rigorous analytical process, applying established legal principles to the specific facts of the case.


Secondly, the Supreme Court's jurisdiction in such political party disputes typically revolves around issues of pre-election matters, internal party affairs, or the interpretation of party constitutions and electoral acts. When a case reaches this level, it often signifies that there have been conflicting interpretations or applications of law by lower courts, or that a significant constitutional question is at stake. 


The Supreme Court's role is to provide a definitive and authoritative interpretation, thereby settling the dispute once and for all. Any challenge to the "legality" of such a judgment, post-delivery, often misunderstands the nature of judicial finality.


While judgments can be subject to review in extremely rare circumstances (e.g., where there's evidence of fraud or a fundamental error ex facie the record, a concept known as "slip rule"), the default position is that the Court's decision is the law of the land on that particular matter.


Furthermore, the concept of "legality" in this context extends beyond mere procedural correctness to the substantive justice of the case, as determined by the highest judicial authority. The Supreme Court's pronouncement effectively validates the process that led to Senator Anyanwu's emergence or affirmation as the National Secretary, within the framework of the party's rules and the nation's laws as interpreted by the Court.


For those who might feel aggrieved by the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement affirming Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the PDP, they should know that it is a situation of “No Victor, No Vanquish”, as Sen. Anyanwu has rightly stated that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP remains one United Family now that the legal recourse is exhausted at the apex court of the land.


Finally, the Supreme Court judgment in support of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary stands as a legally sound pronouncement, by virtue of the Court's constitutional authority, its exhaustive review process, and the principle of judicial finality.

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Senator Samuel Anyanwu is a leader who believes so much in the youths of the country.

 Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a strong support for Nigerian youths 

Senator Samuel Anyanwu is a leader who believes so much in the youths of the country.


He has been an ardent supporter of the youths. As a House of Representatives Member, as a Senator and now as the National Secretary of the PDP, he has always prioritized the youths and has always acted in the interest of the youths.


His philosophy has always been that the youths are the future of the country and hence if we all want a future for Nigeria, the youths must be taken seriously.


He has never waved aside the agitations of the youths. He believes strongly in the strength and struggles of the youths of the country.


He has always been a mentor to the youths. He has always been a strong pillar for the youths. He has always been a strong advocate for the youths.


He has always been a sponsor for almost every good venture any youth wants to embark upon. He is one person who has over the years been investing heavily in the future of the youths.


When it comes to youth empowerment, Senator Samuel Anyanwu is a household name both in Imo State and nationwide. He has been a blessing to many youths across the country.


Senator Samuel Anyanwu is like a father to the youths. He gives priority attention to the youths. He never rests until the needs of the youths are met. 


He is not just a sponsor of alot of positive youthful ventures, he is also a mentor to alot of youths who are today doing well across various fields of the economy both in Nigeria and abroad.


If there is one person who has invested greatly in the future of the youths of Nigeria, it is Senator Samuel Anyanwu.


He raises boys to be men and he establishes them. He raises the youths generally to be future leaders and he makes sure he fights for the youths to be carried along in leadership as he sees them as the future of leadership and he believes that every avenue to groom youths to be leaders is a worthy investment in the future of the country.


It is a fact that indeed, Senator Samuel Anyanwu is a strong believer in the youths of Nigeria both by resources and by mentorship and even by active involvement in youthful activities as he believes strongly also in giving the youths a strong sense of belonging in leadership and he has usually maintained that one way to go about it is for him as a leader to show leadership by being involved with youthful activities and to use such as avenue to interact and mentor the youths into becoming future leaders regardless of their social status in the society.


Enantomhen Andrew

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

TITLE: Hollow Rhetoric and Contradictions: Dissecting the PDP Staff Press Release Dated May 14, 2025

 TITLE: Hollow Rhetoric and Contradictions: Dissecting the PDP Staff Press Release Dated May 14, 2025



The document issued by the management and staff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat on May 14, 2025, purports to be a call for stability. However, a close examination reveals a deeply flawed, self-serving, and ultimately ineffective attempt at legitimizing confusion and deepening internal discord under the guise of unity.


1. False Claim of Neutrality


While the release begins by claiming to speak from a place of “loyalty and duty,” it swiftly descends into partisanship. The staff overtly back a factional position—endorsing Arch Setonji Koshoedo—thereby abandoning any claim of neutrality. Their support is not based on fresh democratic processes, but rather on the decision of a few party elites and disputed legal interpretations.


2. Contradictions in Legal Interpretation


The document tries to justify its position using the March 21, 2025, Supreme Court ruling. However, it fundamentally misrepresents the verdict. If, as stated, the Supreme Court struck out earlier judgments for lack of jurisdiction, then no court ruling exists in favor of Udeh Okoye. Instead, the case reverts to the party's internal mechanisms—which are themselves disputed and politically influenced. Citing a “lack of jurisdiction” is not equivalent to “affirmation” of a faction's choice.


3. Incoherent Justification


The claim that Arch Koshoedo's acting appointment “restores confidence” and “preserves integrity” contradicts the reality of the party's chaos. Appointing an acting secretary because of internal confusion is an admission of disorder, not a solution. It shows the leadership vacuum is still unresolved, despite the effort to whitewash it with bureaucratic jargon and legal-sounding references.


4. Weaponization of Institutional Memory


The document oddly positions long-serving staff as “key stakeholders” due to their tenure, which is irrelevant to the constitutional dispute at hand. Institutional memory does not confer legitimacy to override democratic processes or party-wide consensus. This is an attempt to elevate bureaucrats above elected representatives and party members.


5. Backhanded Undermining of Senator Anyanwu


Although the document pays lip service to Senator Anyanwu’s contributions, it swiftly pivots to portraying him as an obstacle to party stability. This disingenuous approach further undermines any claim to fairness or objectivity. If he has been foundational to the party, why is there no clear process to engage him in resolving the dispute?


6. Manufactured Consensus


The list of over 80 signatories, from Directors to Junior Staff, is meant to project mass support. However, this is a bureaucratic echo chamber—not a reflection of grassroots opinion or democratic mandate. Staff signatures do not equal legitimacy in a political context. The overwhelming majority of these names have no voice in party constitutional matters.


7. Political Expediency Over Due Process


Ultimately, this is not a call for unity, but a desperate attempt to normalize factional control. By backing a stop-gap measure as a permanent fix, the release undermines the principle of internal democracy. It favors expedience over structure and persuasion over procedure.

---


Conclusion:

This press release fails in its objective to present a legitimate, unifying vision for the PDP. It is riddled with contradictions, selective legal interpretations, and a hollow show of bureaucratic support. Far from stabilizing the party, it exposes a fractured leadership, sidelined democratic norms, and a preference for factional dominance over inclusive resolution. It should be viewed not as a clarion call—but as a smokescreen for deeper structural dysfunction within the PDP.

He Is Planning to Destroy Our Party" — South-East PDP Leaders Warn Governor Mbah as Plot to Remove Anyanwu Fails*

 *”He Is Planning to Destroy Our Party" — South-East PDP Leaders Warn Governor Mbah as Plot to Remove Anyanwu Fails*


P


olitical Crisis is brewing within the South-East wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as prominent leaders in the zone have strongly condemned Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, over what they describe as an orchestrated plot to destabilize the party and subvert constitutional authority.


In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Chief A.U. Nwachukwu, Chairman of the South-East PDP Leaders Forum, the group accused Governor Mbah of colluding with expelled former Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, to remove Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary—despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s position and official recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


“Governor Mbah is planning to destroy our party,” the statement warned, citing the governor’s alleged ultimatum that the PDP must reverse the Supreme Court’s decision or face his defection from the party.


According to the South-East PDP leaders, the governor’s desperation became more evident when he convened an unauthorized meeting of the South-East Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC), which only the National Vice Chairman (South-East) is empowered to summon under Article 27(3) of the PDP Constitution.


The controversial meeting, disguised as a mobilization exercise for the PDP in the zone, was reportedly held to coerce party stakeholders into backing the removal of Senator Anyanwu and recognizing Mr. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary, as Acting National Secretary—a move party leaders have described as “illegal and unconstitutional.”


“The gathering, initially framed as a mobilization meeting, was a ruse aimed at forcing through an unlawful agenda. Some of the attendees were misled, unaware of the meeting’s true purpose,” the statement noted.


The forum also raised the alarm over the involvement of Chief Odefa in the scheme, emphasizing that he was expelled from the PDP in November 2024, with the expulsion affirmed by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki. Legal opinions from the party’s National and Zonal Legal Advisers also confirmed that Odefa is no longer a party member.


The South-East PDP leaders commended the national leadership of the party for resisting attempts to manipulate the party’s structure and reaffirmed their support for Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Reformation Committee led by former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.


They further called on party members across the region to remain vigilant and united in the face of what they termed “a clear assault on party discipline and internal democracy.”


“The PDP will not be held hostage by personal ambitions. The rule of law, party constitution, and integrity of our democratic institutions must prevail,” the statement concluded 

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

INEC Receives PDP’s Anambra Guber Submission Signed by Samuel Anyanwu, Reaffirming His Role as National Secretary

 INEC Receives PDP’s Anambra Guber Submission Signed by Samuel Anyanwu, Reaffirming His Role as National Secretary



In a move that puts ongoing internal party wranglings into clearer perspective, Senator Samuel N Anyanwu has signed the official submission of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the 2025 Anambra election, confirming his position as the party’s National Secretary.


The letter, dated May 7, 2025, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was co-signed by Senator Anyanwu and the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum. It formally submitted Ezenwafor Jude C as the party’s candidate and Hon Okeke Francis Chukwudi as his running mate for the November 8 governorship poll.


Despite recent reports that some PDP governors had named a new acting secretary, this submission, endorsed by both the chairman and Senator Anyanwu, signals that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) still recognises Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary.


Observers say this action may be the party’s calculated attempt to avoid internal legal disputes or disqualification issues ahead of the critical Anambra election.