Ologbondiyan Warns Supreme Court Ruling on Anyanwu could Seal PDP’s fate

Former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has cautioned that a Supreme Court victory for Senator Samuel Anyanwu could mark the final takeover of the opposition party by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the influence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.  

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ologbondiyan addressed the ongoing legal battle over the PDP National Secretary position. He warned that Anyanwu’s appeal, which seeks to overturn his removal by the Court of Appeal, could either reinforce the party’s internal structure or further destabilize it.  

“I pray and I hope that doesn’t happen, because it will affect the foundation of the People’s Democratic Party. I mean the foundation of the structure of the PDP, it will be affected,” Ologbondiyan stated.  

The former PDP spokesperson argued that a ruling in Anyanwu’s favor would have far-reaching consequences, asserting, “It will naturally mean the final, and I mean in every sense of finality, of the acquisition of the People’s Democratic Party for All Progressives Congress (APC) by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. That will be the end of the matter. I’m sorry to say this.”  

He emphasized the political ramifications, warning that a judgment that does not align with the majority of party members could create further discord. “Parties are made of people. And if the majority of the members are on a side, and the judgment turns around and gives judgement on the side of the minority, you can imagine what will happen,” he said.  

Ologbondiyan maintained that the PDP had already settled the issue of its National Secretary, referencing official communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “The party has already decided who its national secretary is. I don’t know if you are aware, the party has written to INEC identifying Right Honourable S.K Udeh Okoye as its national secretary. And the fact that there has never been a stay of resolution on the matter shows that it is the responsibility of Honourable S.K to continue to function as the national secretary.”  

On the potential fallout of the Supreme Court’s verdict, he was cautious but firm. “But when you come in and say that, oh, if the Supreme Court decides on the side of Senator Sam Anyanwu, what will the party do? I don’t want to jump before the decision of the Supreme Court. We’ll wait and see what the court justices will say,” he said.  

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on Anyanwu’s appeal after a five-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, heard arguments from both sides. Anyanwu, who was removed from office by the Court of Appeal, is seeking to reclaim his position.  

The appellate court, sitting in Enugu, had upheld an earlier high court decision recognizing Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive PDP National Secretary, instructing him to assume office immediately. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Anyanwu approached the Supreme Court in January in a final attempt to overturn the judgment.