Appeal Court Upholds PDP Suspension of Anyanwu, Bature, Ajibade, Others

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the suspension of three former National Officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), upholding an earlier decision by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

In a judgment delivered on Monday, the appellate court validated the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu, former National Secretary; Umar Bature, former National Organising Secretary; and Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, former National Legal Adviser.

The court ruled that the disciplinary measures taken by the party leadership were consistent with the provisions of the PDP constitution governing internal party affairs.

In its lead judgment, the panel emphasized the supremacy of a political party’s constitution in managing its internal administrative and disciplinary processes. It held that the NWC acted within its powers when it suspended the affected officials over allegations of anti-party activities and conduct considered inconsistent with the party’s rules.

The court also dismissed all the reliefs sought in the appeal, which had asked the court to nullify the suspensions and reinstate the officers to their former positions.

According to the court, the appeal lacked merit and failed to establish grounds to overturn the party’s decision.

The suspension of the three officials followed internal disciplinary proceedings initiated by the PDP leadership after accusations of actions deemed contrary to the party’s constitution and principles.