Amid escalating internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its governors are set to meet with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today in Abuja.
The ongoing leadership crisis, particularly the tussle over the National Secretary position and preparations for the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, are expected to dominate the agenda.
A letter dated June 18, signed by INEC’s acting Secretary, Halliru Aminu, and obtained exclusively by The PUNCH, confirmed that the meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today at the commission’s headquarters.
Party insiders within the PDP National Working Committee revealed that the session would focus on resolving the leadership crisis, especially the dispute over the rightful National Secretary.
It will also address the controversy surrounding the notification process for the forthcoming 100th NEC meeting.
Since its loss in the 2015 presidential election, the PDP has been plagued by recurring internal conflicts, ranging from leadership disputes to widespread defections and unresolved congress issues.
The latest flashpoint is the fierce rivalry between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu—who enjoys the backing of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—over the position of National Secretary.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, the party had appointed Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding panel led by Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, revealed that INEC formally recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate occupant of the office.
The PDP, at its 99th NEC meeting, fixed June 30 for its landmark 100th NEC session.
A notice to this effect was issued to INEC on May 30 by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
However, the electoral body declined the notification, insisting that such communication must be jointly signed by both the national chairman and secretary, in line with legal requirements.
Reacting to INEC’s stance, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed journalists on Sunday, arguing that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to interfere in the internal meetings of political parties.
According to him, INEC’s role is limited to monitoring conventions, congresses, and primaries involving the election of candidates or party officials.
“INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC. These are internal matters, as affirmed by several Supreme Court rulings,” he said.
“It is the party’s decision whether to hold or cancel such meetings. INEC cannot dictate that.”
In a formal response, INEC rejected the governors’ proposed meeting date and rescheduled it to today, June 24. The letter, addressed to Damagum, read:
“Your letter Ref. PDP/DOM/GF.2/VIL.ID/25-093 dated 17th June 2025 on the above subject refers. The Commission is constrained to inform you that the requested date for the meeting is not convenient. However, we propose the following: Date: Tuesday, 24th June 2025, Venue: Commission’s Conference Hall, Time: 2:00 p.m. Accept the assurances of the Commission’s highest regards.”
A senior PDP source confirmed the meeting will focus on clarifying who INEC officially recognizes as the National Secretary and resolving discrepancies over communications regarding the 100th NEC meeting.
“It’s about resolving the confusion over the Secretary position and the NEC notice. The governors and leadership will seek clarity from INEC, and hopefully, return with a clear path forward,” the source said.
In a related twist, acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum distanced the party from Ologunagba’s recent comments. In a statement on Monday, Damagum said the party leadership neither sanctioned nor approved the publicity secretary’s remarks, describing them as premature and lacking internal consultation.
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