From business to politics: Profile of Sen. Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, widely known as Sam Daddy, is a Nigerian politician and businessman with a career spanning various leadership roles.

He served as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from November 2021 until December 20, 2024, when a Court of Appeal ruling replaced him with Rt. Hon. S. K. E. Udeh-Okoye.

Profile summary

Name: Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu

Date of birth: June 18, 1965

State of origin: Imo

Education: University of Port Harcourt

Religion: Christianity

Career: Politician

Background

Born on June 18, 1965, in Umuduruanyanwu Obodo, Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Anyanwu grew up in a politically aware environment.

He attended Modern Day Primary School in Aba before proceeding to Iho Comprehensive School, Ikeduru, for his secondary education.

Furthering his studies, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Port Harcourt.

He also attended global institutions like the Cambridge Judge Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, enhancing his leadership and administrative expertise.

Business career

Before entering politics, Anyanwu built a strong presence in the business world. He founded several companies, including:

• Sonada Oil Ltd
• Sam Daddy Farms
• Sam Daddy Investments Ltd
• Newseed Communications
• New View Engineering Nig. Ltd

These ventures span multiple industries, including energy, agriculture, and telecommunications.

Political career

Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu’s political journey began early, with his role as Secretary of the Imo Youth Organization (IYO) in 1983.

By 2003, he had risen to prominence as the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA), eventually becoming the Secretary of the Imo State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

In 2004, Anyanwu was elected as the Executive Chairman of Ikeduru LGA in a competitive race. His tenure was marked by impactful projects that significantly improved the lives of the people in the region.

The following year, he was elected as the council chairman under the PDP platform, serving until 2007.

His political ascent continued as he represented Ikeduru State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2015.

While there, he chaired the House Committee on Public Accounts, Finance, and Commerce and served as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics, Petitions, and Privileges.

In 2015, Anyanwu was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing Imo East Senatorial District. During his tenure in the 8th National Assembly, he chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

One of his key legislative efforts was sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the South East Development Commission, which was passed by the Senate but vetoed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

His political ambitions extended to the 2019 Imo State governorship election, where he vied for the PDP ticket but was unsuccessful.

However, in 2021, he became the PDP National Secretary, holding the position until his removal in 2024 by a court ruling.

In 2023, he was selected as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Imo State after Emeka Ihedioha withdrew from the race.

Private life

A devoted Christian, Anyanwu is happily married and blessed with children. Beyond politics and business, he is passionate about philanthropy. He is the founder of:

• So Others May Eat (S.O.M.E) Foundation
• Sam Daddy Mustardseed Foundation

Both organizations focus on assisting underprivileged individuals in society.

Net worth

While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, Anyanwu’s extensive career in politics and business suggests substantial financial success.

With a career marked by political leadership, business acumen, and philanthropy, *Sam Daddy* remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.