Supreme Court Upholds Legality of South-South PDP Congress, Declares Zonal Caretaker Committee Illegal

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the legitimacy of the South-South Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was held on February 22, 2025. The ruling, delivered on March 21, 2025, also invalidated the existence of the Zonal Caretaker Committee, reinforcing the authority of the Chief Dan Orbih-led Zonal Executive Committee.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been officially notified of the South-South Zonal Congress in October 2024 by Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, and Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, the National Secretary. This notification was in accordance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution. Following the conclusion of the congress, the results were transmitted to the party through the office of the National Secretary, confirming its compliance with due process.

There was no formal withdrawal of this notification from both Damagum and Anyanwu at any point. However, a letter contesting the congress was jointly signed by Damagum and a former National Youth Leader. The Supreme Court’s ruling has effectively dismissed that letter, as it declared the individual who signed it alongside Damagum an impostor. The judgment further affirmed that the office of the National Secretary, occupied by Anyanwu, was never vacant, nullifying any claims to the contrary.

With this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the South-South Zonal Congress and invalidated the authority of the Zonal Caretaker Committee. The ruling strengthens the position of Chief Dan Orbih and his leadership of the South-South PDP executive.

This outcome has been welcomed by supporters of the congress, who view the judgment as a victory for internal democracy and adherence to the party’s constitution. The ruling also reinforces the principle that only properly constituted party organs have the authority to oversee internal elections and leadership structures.

The verdict is expected to put an end to internal disputes regarding the leadership of the South-South PDP. With the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, the party’s zonal leadership under Chief Dan Orbih can now proceed with its mandate without legal uncertainties. The decision also serves as a precedent for ensuring that party processes are not undermined by unauthorized actions or individuals claiming positions they do not legally hold.

While the ruling has settled the matter in favor of the congress and its elected officials, reactions from opposing factions within the party are expected. However, the Supreme Court’s declaration has made it clear that the South-South Zonal Congress was properly convened and its leadership duly constituted in accordance with the party’s guidelines.

The legal victory solidifies the authority of the PDP’s internal structures and affirms that any disputes regarding party leadership must be resolved through constitutional means rather than through caretaker arrangements lacking legal backing.