Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected the appointment of Dr. J.Y. Musa as the party’s legal representative at the Appeal and Supreme Courts.
About 11 out of 17 members of the party executives made known their rejection in a petition.
In the petition dated January 21, 2025, and acknowledged by the registries of the Appeal and Supreme Courts, the dissenting NWC members asked the courts to disregard Dr. Musa’s appointment.
They argued that the appointment was unauthorized and violated the PDP’s constitution. According to them, Article 42 of the party’s constitution gives only the National Legal Adviser the authority to appoint external legal counsel, not the National Chairman.
This disagreement is tied to the ongoing legal battle involving Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, who was removed as the PDP National Secretary by a court ruling. An Enugu High Court had earlier sacked Anyanwu, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 20, 2024. Following the decisions, the matter has been brought before the Supreme Court by Anyanwu who has refused to relinquish the position.
Meanwhile, the NWC members believe the appointment of Dr. Musa, allegedly a close ally of Minister Nyesom Wike, is inappropriate and compromises the party’s integrity.
In a letter addressed to the courts, the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum had instructed Musa to represent the party in the appeal at the Supreme Court.
