ABUJA/Nigeria: The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the suspension of several senior National Officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.
In a landmark judgment, the appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), dismissing the legal challenge filed by the affected officers against their suspension.
The court ruled that the disciplinary actions taken by the PDP leadership were consistent with the provisions of the party’s constitution, thereby validating the authority of the party to regulate its internal affairs.
In the lead judgment, the court emphasised the supremacy of the party’s constitution in matters relating to internal administration and discipline.
The appellate court also recognised the powers of the National Working Committee to suspend party officials found to have acted in breach of the party’s constitution and established disciplinary procedures.
Consequently, the court dismissed all appeals seeking to nullify the suspension and restore the affected officers to their respective positions, describing the applications as lacking in merit.
The suspension of the officers had earlier been announced by the PDP following allegations of anti-party activities and conduct considered inconsistent with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
The ruling is expected to further shape ongoing leadership dynamics within the opposition party as it continues efforts to address internal disputes and strengthen party discipline.
