PDP NWC opposes appointment of Wike’s lawyer as party’s legal adviser

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the appointment of Dr. J.Y. Musa as the party’s legal representative at the Appeal and Supreme Courts.

In a petition dated January 21, 2025, 11 out of the 17 NWC members expressed their opposition to the appointment, which they described as unconstitutional.

The petition, acknowledged by the registries of both courts, urged the judiciary to disregard Dr. Musa’s nomination.

According to the dissenting members, Article 42 of the PDP constitution grants only the National Legal Adviser the authority to appoint external legal counsel, a responsibility that cannot be assumed by the National Chairman.

They argued that the appointment of Dr. Musa violated this provision.

The disagreement stems from a legal dispute involving Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, who was removed as the PDP National Secretary by a court ruling.

An Enugu High Court had earlier nullified Anyanwu’s position, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 20, 2024.

Despite these rulings, Anyanwu has escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, refusing to vacate the position.

The NWC members have raised concerns about Dr. Musa’s appointment, alleging that he is closely associated with Minister Nyesom Wike, and asserting that the move could undermine the party’s integrity.

However, in a letter to the courts, Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Damagum instructed Dr. Musa to represent the PDP in the Supreme Court appeal.