The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30, 2025, in Abuja.
In a letter dated May 30 and signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, the PDP informed INEC that the meeting will take place at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5. The notification complies with INEC’s regulation requiring a 21-day notice for such meetings.
The letter, exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH, was referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-078 and acknowledged by INEC the same day.
“This is for the commission’s information and necessary action, please,” Damagum wrote. “While thanking you for your usual cooperation, kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
A senior party member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the NEC meeting will address several unresolved issues, including the long-running dispute over the National Secretary position, ratification of zonal congresses, and review of committee reports.
“The 100th NEC may take decisive action to resolve the National Secretary dispute and is expected to approve and populate key committees,” the source said.
Tensions have flared within the party over multiple issues, including the controversial status of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. According to the PDP National Caucus Fact-Finding Committee, chaired by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, INEC officially recognises Anyanwu in that role.
Despite this, party unity remains fragile. The PDP has been hit by a wave of internal conflicts, including the Rivers State crisis, disputes in the South-South and South-East, and the controversial North-Central congress. These conflicts have led to the postponement of the NEC meeting six times, stalling key decisions and prompting high-profile defections.
In recent months, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno dumped the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising further concerns about party cohesion ahead of 2027.
An insider defended Damagum’s decision to write to INEC, stating, “The letter is in order. The 99th NEC had already announced June 30 as the date for the next meeting. The party had to write INEC to ensure it is involved in efforts to address pending matters.”
Efforts to get comments from Damagum and PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned.
Meanwhile, allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have warned that “any move made without recognising Anyanwu as National Secretary would be considered invalid and could worsen the party’s crisis.”
The June 30 meeting is expected to be a turning point for the PDP as it seeks to resolve its internal issues and reposition ahead of future elections.
