PDP infighting: Anyanwu faction denounces 'distortion' of Supreme Court ruling

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Anyanwu

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By Luminous Jannamike

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A fresh war of words erupted on Thursday night over the Supreme Court ruling on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis, with the spokesman of the Senator Samuel Anyanwu camp of the party, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, insisting the judgement is clear and settled, even as rival voices advanced a sharply different interpretation.

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The clash, which played out live on Channels TV’s Politics Today, highlights how the PDP remains divided despite the apex court’s decision, with both camps citing the same ruling but reaching opposing conclusions on what it means for the party’s leadership.

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Jungudo, who spoke during the programme, said the Supreme Court’s decision leaves no room for ambiguity.

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“And the judgement is very, very clear: appeal dismissed, and the decisions of the appellate court and the lower court, the Federal High Court, upheld,” he said.

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He rejected suggestions that the ruling addressed issues of suspension within the party, maintaining that such matters were never before the courts.

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“So, where did the Supreme Court or the Federal High Court discuss the issue of suspension? There was no argument whatsoever; it was never an issue before any court,” he said.

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Addressing claims about the status of some party figures (Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and Samuel Anyanwu), Jungudo pointed to what he described as shifting positions by his opponents.

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“A few weeks ago they made heavy weather that Anyanwu was expelled. Today, they are talking about suspension. Which is which?” he asked.

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“The Supreme Court said it has now become an academic exercise, because the convention has been held, it is of no moment,” he added.

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He also dismissed attempts to invalidate actions taken by the Anyanwu camp, arguing that the issues being raised were never presented before any court.

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“You need to understand that the Supreme Court is not a court where you bring such evidence; was the issue raised even at the lower court? It was never an issue before any court,” he said.

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Jungudo further dismissed claims that the court handed over control of the party to another organ.

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“I have read everywhere that the court has said the PDP’s BOT should take over. This is laughable. This is ridiculous. The court could not have said that,” he said.

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The exchange ended with a warning over how the party is described in public discourse.

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“The press should desist from ascribing any faction to the PDP going forward. If you do so, we have every right to take judicial action. To sue. We will sue,” Jungudo said.

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The disagreement highlights a deeper reality: despite a definitive court ruling, the PDP’s internal battle remains unresolved, now shifting from the courtroom to a contest over interpretation, legitimacy and control.

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