PDP Writes INEC Ahead Of Crucial 100th NEC Meeting Set For June 30

By Mohammed Bello Doka 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja.

This was conveyed through a letter dated May 30, signed by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and addressed to the INEC Chairman. The letter, referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-078, was received by the Commission the same day and is in compliance with the statutory 21-day notice requirement for NEC meetings that discuss party administrative and electoral matters.

According to sources within the party, the upcoming NEC gathering is expected to be a watershed moment in the PDP’s ongoing struggle to resolve long-standing internal disputes and factional tensions.

A senior PDP official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, confirmed that the party leadership is under immense pressure to use the meeting to address unresolved issues, especially the crisis surrounding the National Secretary position and the ratification of pending zonal congresses.

“The June 30 NEC meeting is critical,” the source said. “It will review reports and recommendations from various committees, decide on the contentious position of National Secretary, and move forward with populating committees like the Convention and Zoning Committees set up at the last NEC.”

The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been reeling from a series of internal crises since before the 2023 general elections. From the protracted conflict in Rivers State to controversies in the South-South and South-East zonal congresses, and now the heated debate over the North-Central congress, tensions have spread across regional lines.

These challenges have led to the postponement of the NEC meeting on at least six occasions, stalling key decisions crucial to the party’s unity and strategic direction. As the discontent deepened, some high-profile defections occurred, notably Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who have since joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A major flashpoint remains the legitimacy of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. To resolve this, the PDP National Caucus constituted a Fact-Finding Committee chaired by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas. The committee, after reviewing records, affirmed that INEC recognises Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary. This report was submitted during the National Caucus meeting on May 27 but was deferred for resolution at the next NEC gathering.

The letter from Damagum to INEC, titled “Notice of 100th National Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party,” stated in part:

> “We write to formally inform and invite INEC that the leadership of our great party, PDP, has scheduled our 100th NEC meeting to hold on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the National Secretariat of our party, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

This is for the Commission’s information and necessary action. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

Efforts to get official comments from Damagum and the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to them went unanswered.

Meanwhile, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have cautioned against any NEC decisions that sideline Senator Anyanwu, warning that such moves could further complicate the party’s fragile cohesion.

However, another insider maintained that Damagum’s correspondence with INEC was in line with the party’s collective decision at the 99th NEC.

“The letter is procedural. The last NEC scheduled the 100th for June 30 and mandated the leadership to notify INEC. The coming NEC will populate key committees and may take a final stand on the Anyanwu controversy, as well as approve all pending zonal congresses,” the source explained.

As the PDP prepares for this high-stakes meeting, observers within and outside the party are watching closely to see whether the opposition can finally overcome its internal divisions and reposition itself as a credible political force ahead of future elections.