The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that its forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will go ahead on June 30, despite objections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party insists that the electoral body has no legal authority to interfere with its internal affairs.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described INEC’s attempt to invalidate the scheduled NEC meeting as an overreach, questioning the motives behind a letter issued by the Commission’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu.
“INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the National Working Committee (NWC) or NEC,” Ologunagba stated. “These are strictly internal party matters, and the law is very clear. Multiple Supreme Court rulings have reaffirmed this.”
The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political force, has faced ongoing leadership disputes, internal divisions, and a series of defections since its loss of power in 2015.
A key flashpoint has been the tussle over the office of National Secretary, pitting Senator Samuel Anyanwu—backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—against Sunday Udeh-Okoye.
To navigate the deadlock, the PDP appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary.
However, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, reported that INEC still recognises Anyanwu as the substantive Secretary.
Despite this, the party held its 99th NEC meeting and scheduled the landmark 100th NEC meeting for June 30.
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, formally notified INEC in a letter dated May 30.
INEC responded by rejecting the notification, arguing that such correspondence must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary, urging compliance with its internal rules.
However, Ologunagba dismissed INEC’s stance, reiterating that the Commission’s role is limited to observing party conventions, congresses, and primaries—especially where candidates are elected.
“INEC cannot cancel our meetings. It is the party’s prerogative to determine its internal calendar and procedures,” he added.
“The NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled, and if there is any change, the public will be duly informed.”
