Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to meet with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today in Abuja as the party grapples with internal tensions ahead of its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The meeting, scheduled for 2 p.m. at INEC’s Conference Hall, was confirmed in a letter dated June 18 and signed by the commission’s acting Secretary, Halliru Aminu. The commission declined the PDP governors’ earlier proposed date and fixed today’s meeting instead.
PDP insiders say two major issues will dominate discussions: the prolonged dispute over the position of National Secretary, and the procedural controversy surrounding the upcoming NEC meeting.
The PDP has struggled with internal divisions since its 2015 electoral loss, with persistent challenges including defections, unresolved congresses across states, and leadership disputes.
A central flashpoint remains the battle over the National Secretary position between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Though the PDP appointed Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary in a bid to stabilize the situation, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu found that INEC officially recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.
Further complications arose when acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, sent INEC a formal notice regarding the 100th NEC meeting, scheduled for June 30. INEC rejected the notice, stating that such communication must be jointly signed by both the national chairman and national secretary.
INEC’s position prompted a response from PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who, during a press conference on Sunday, argued that the commission had no authority over regular internal party meetings like the NEC or NWC. “INEC cannot cancel our meetings.
These are internal matters, and we will proceed as scheduled,” he said.
However, on Monday, Damagum distanced the party from Ologunagba’s comments, stating that the press briefing was unauthorized and not approved by the party leadership.
He described it as premature and lacking internal consultation.
Meanwhile, party leaders say today’s meeting with INEC is aimed at resolving the ongoing leadership row and clarifying procedural concerns around the NEC meeting.
A senior PDP official told our correspondent: “The meeting will focus on the status of the National Secretary and the NEC meeting communications.
Party leaders and governors are expected to come out of the session with a clearer understanding and hopefully some resolutions.”
As tensions rise and the 100th NEC meeting draws near, today’s talks are seen as critical to stabilizing the embattled opposition party and restoring internal order.