PDP Notifies INEC Of June 30 NEC Meeting, Wike Warns That Excluding Anyanwu From NEC Proceedings Could Further Exacerbate The Party’s Crisis.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30, 2025.
In a letter dated May 30 and addressed to the INEC Chairman, acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, disclosed that the NEC meeting will take place at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
The notification complies with INEC’s 21-day notice requirement for NEC meetings, particularly those deliberating critical issues such as the office of the National Secretary.
A copy of the letter, obtained by DAILY GAZETTE and referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-078, confirmed that INEC acknowledged receipt on May 30.
A senior party member, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, explained that the NEC gathering aims to resolve longstanding internal matters.
According to the insider, the agenda includes resolving the tussle over the National Secretary position, ratifying zonal congresses, and reviewing key committee reports and recommendations.
The PDP has been entangled in internal crises both before and after the 2023 general elections.
These include disputes in Rivers State, unresolved congress issues in the South-South and South-East, the controversial National Secretary contest, and a recent dispute from the North-Central zonal congress.
These challenges have intensified internal tensions across multiple regions, further deepening party divisions.
The protracted conflicts have forced the postponement of the NEC meeting six times, delaying strategic decisions vital to the party’s future.
As a result, influential members like Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno have switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the National Secretary controversy, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, concluded that INEC officially recognized Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP’s National Secretary.
This finding was shared during a National Caucus meeting held on May 27 in Abuja.
Despite this, the 99th NEC meeting held that same day refrained from addressing the issue, opting instead to reconvene on June 30.
Damagun’s letter to INEC, titled “Notice of 100th National Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party,” reads 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. While thanking you for your usual cooperation, kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
Attempts to reach Damagun and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for comment were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls or text messages.
Meanwhile, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that excluding Senator Anyanwu from NEC proceedings could further exacerbate the party’s internal crisis.
However, the insider maintained that Damagum’s action followed the directive agreed upon at the 99th NEC.
“The letter is in order. The 99th NEC had already scheduled and announced June 30 as the date for the 100th NEC meeting.
Due to many unresolved issues from the last meeting, the party had to write INEC ahead of the next NEC meeting to ensure the commission is involved in efforts to address those pending matters.
“Don’t forget that the 99th NEC set up the National Convention Committee, the Zoning Committee, and assigned other responsibilities. So, the upcoming meeting will approve and populate the committees, as well as receive reports where necessary.
“Apart from that, the 100th NEC may also take decisive action to resolve the dispute over the National Secretary position and is expected to ratify the zonal congresses, among other key matters.”
