JUST IN: Court Rejects Anyanwu’s Request to Stop INEC from Implementing Removal as PDP Secretary

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s request to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from implementing his removal as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, who presided over the case, ruled that Anyanwu must notify INEC and other defendants in his suit, allowing them to present their positions before the court. The judge declined to issue an immediate order in favor of Anyanwu, opting instead for a hearing where all parties could be represented.

Anyanwu had filed an ex-parte application on Wednesday, seeking to restrain INEC and its agents from accepting or acting on any correspondence from the PDP unless it was signed by him. He also sought to prevent Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagun from forwarding any documents to INEC unless authorized by him.

His counsel, K.C.O. Njemanze (SAN), argued the application, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. After reviewing the submission, Justice Ekwo acknowledged the urgency but maintained that it was necessary to hear from the defendants before making any ruling. He subsequently ordered Anyanwu to serve court papers to INEC and Damagun, ensuring they were formally notified of the suit.

The case has been scheduled for a hearing on February 24, allowing INEC and the other defendants to respond before any further decisions are made.