In an effort to address the issues threatening the “99th National Executive Committee meeting” of the Peoples Democratic Party slated for June 30, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, PDP governors, and other stakeholders are set to meet with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday.
Since its loss of power at the centre in the “2015 presidential election”, the PDP has grappled with internal crises, unresolved litigations, and mass defections, including the recent exits of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom States.
The party faces challenges such as the Rivers State conflict, unresolved “South-South and South-East zonal congresses”, and disputes over the “National Secretary position” and the “North-Central zonal congress”, which have worsened internal tensions.
The unresolved crises have delayed the NEC meeting six times, disrupting major decisions ahead of the “2027 general election”.
The “South-East Caucus” nominated “Sunday Udeh-Okoye” as party secretary following “Anyanwu’s” emergence as the Imo PDP governorship candidate. However, Anyanwu returned to claim the role, supported by “Nyesom Wike”, who seeks control over party structures before the next elections.
To tackle the controversy, a PDP National Caucus Fact-Finding Committee led by Taraba Governor “Agbu Kefas” revealed that INEC recognises “Senator Samuel Anyanwu” as National Secretary. These findings were presented to the caucus on May 27.
Subsequently, the NEC meeting decided to reconvene on June 30, with “Setonji Koshoedo” appointed Acting National Secretary, following a Supreme Court ruling stating that choosing a National Secretary is an internal party matter.
Damagum informed INEC of the planned “100th NEC meeting” via a letter titled “Notice of 100th National Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party”, notifying the commission of the June 30 meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
INEC responded on Tuesday, raising concerns about the notice submitted by PDP. In a letter dated June 13 with reference number “INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80”, the commission stated that the notice did not meet its regulations, specifically citing “Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties”, which mandates joint signatures from the National Chairman and Secretary.
The letter, signed by Acting Secretary “Mathru Aminu”, advised the PDP to comply properly in future notices.
Speaking to The PUNCH, former Deputy National Chairman (South) “Chief Bode George” said Wednesday’s meeting between PDP leadership and INEC may resolve the matter. He questioned INEC’s authority over the issue, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling.
He urged the INEC Chairman to “tread softly”, referencing recent political developments and noting that the party currently has an Acting Secretary.
“Umar Bature”, National Organising Secretary, also suggested that “Senator Anyanwu” should be allowed to sign NEC meeting notices.
As the NEC meeting approaches, PDP Stakeholders warned that removing Anyanwu could damage the party. The group, led by National Convener “Aminu Das Sadiq”, urged leaders to maintain peace and uphold the law, allowing Anyanwu to finish his term ending in December.
They argued that a “unity elective convention” was the proper avenue for leadership changes, stressing that the current effort to remove Anyanwu, despite a Supreme Court judgment and INEC recognition, is dangerous and politically motivated.
The group referenced past crises resolved through diplomacy and questioned why Anyanwu’s case is being treated differently.
They emphasised that disregarding the Supreme Court and due process threatens party unity and democracy, warning that Anyanwu’s illegal removal could alienate loyal members and damage the party’s electoral prospects.
They called on key stakeholders including “Governor Bala Mohammed”, “Governor Seyi Makinde”, “Governor Peter Mbah”, the BoT, NEC, and the “South-East Caucus” to prioritise peace and stability.
They urged all sides to choose unity over division, reminding members that the PDP has survived past challenges by coming together.