PDP NWC Rejects Nomination of Wike’s Lawyer as Legal Adviser

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 a 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 Article 42 of the party’s constitution, only the National Legal Adviser has 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 invalidated Anyanwu’s position, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 20, 2024. 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.