Following Supreme Court’s reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially announce his resignation from the PDP.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, overturned a previous ruling by the Appeal Court, stating that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the internal affairs of the PDP. This landmark judgment has further deepened the crisis within the PDP, prompting Atiku’s exit.
Atiku’s decision to join the SDP comes after weeks of speculation and consultations. Sources close to the former vice president revealed that he had been awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict before finalizing his plans.
The court’s ruling, which affirmed Anyanwu’s position, effectively ended Atiku’s hopes for internal reconciliation within the PDP. The party has been embroiled in leadership disputes and legal battles, with factions loyal to Atiku and those aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, at odds.
The Supreme Court’s judgment emphasised that courts should not interfere in the internal affairs of political parties unless constitutional rights, crimes, or contractual violations are involved.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead judgment, noted that the exceptional circumstances required for judicial intervention were absent in this case. The ruling also highlighted that the failure to join Sunday Udeh Okoye, a key party member, in the lawsuit rendered the case invalid.
Spear News reports that the PDP’s internal crises, coupled with the Supreme Court’s ruling, have left the party in a precarious position. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan had earlier warned that a victory for Anyanwu at the Supreme Court could lead to the PDP’s collapse, with the APC potentially capitalizing on the situation.
Yesterday, during a press conference in Abuja, Atiku confirmed ongoing talks to launch a coalition with Peter Obi, El-rufai and other political big wigs to challenge the APC in 2027.
Atiku’s move to the SDP is seen as a strategic effort to build a stronger opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He has been in talks with prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, who recently joined the SDP, has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for Atiku’s transition. The former Kaduna State governor has urged other politicians to follow suit, describing the SDP as a platform to “redeem Nigeria.”
Atiku’s potential alliance with Peter Obi has generated significant interest, as both leaders command substantial followings across the country. However, Obi has expressed a preference for pursuing the presidency rather than accepting a vice-presidential role. Despite this, influential some influential party stalwarts are reportedly working to persuade him to join forces with Atiku, as a joint ticket is viewed as a formidable strategy to challenge the APC.
Atiku’s departure is expected to exacerbate the party’s challenges, as it struggles to maintain unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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