A Federal High Court in Abuja has fined Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the sum of N150,000 for filing a motion to amend his legal challenge on the day the court was set to deliver judgment. Justice Inyang Ekwo imposed the fine on April 28, following a last-minute move by Anyanwu’s legal counsel, Ken Njemanze (SAN), to alter the lawsuit.
Justice Ekwo expressed displeasure over the timing of the amendment request, emphasizing its disruptive nature.
“Why wait until the day of judgment to file such a motion?” the judge queried.
In defense, Njemanze cited provisions in the law that allow amendments before a judgment is delivered.
However, the court deemed the motion untimely and penalized the action, describing it as an abuse of the judicial process.
The legal battle centers around Samuel Anyanwu’s bid to reclaim his position as the PDP’s National Secretary.
Anyanwu had stepped down temporarily to contest the 2023 Imo State governorship election, which he subsequently lost.
Upon returning, he sought to resume his duties, sparking a leadership tussle with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, who had been appointed to the role in his absence.
Lower courts initially ruled against Anyanwu, stating that his actions violated the PDP’s constitution since he had not formally resigned before pursuing the gubernatorial ticket.
These judgments were later overturned by the Supreme Court on March 21. The apex court ruled that the dispute fell within the internal affairs of the PDP and was beyond the purview of the judiciary.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the conflict remains unresolved.
Both Anyanwu and Udeh-Okoye have maintained their claims to the position, further deepening the rift within the party.
Anyanwu has since sought an injunction barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any PDP correspondence without his signature.
Justice Ekwo has rescheduled the case for May 19, giving Anyanwu time to pay the N150,000 fine before the next hearing. The judge emphasized that such disruptions undermine the efficiency of the judicial process and warned against similar actions in the future.
