By Adenike Lawal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is facing renewed uncertainty over its scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting on June 30, as internal leadership disputes and procedural lapses threaten to derail key decisions.
The latest setback stems from a challenge by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has declared the notice for the NEC meeting invalid due to the absence of the signature of the party’s duly recognized National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
INEC, in its response to the PDP’s letter dated May 30, raised concerns that the invitation signed solely by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, did not comply with electoral regulations.
According to Part 2(12)3 of INEC’s 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties, such notices must carry the joint signatures of both the National Chairman and the National Secretary.
The PDP had announced after its last NEC meeting in Abuja that it would reconvene on June 30 and proceed with a National Convention in Kano from August 28 to 30.
The upcoming NEC meeting is expected to finalise zoning arrangements for national leadership positions and ratify outcomes from recent zonal congresses.
However, a leadership tussle within the party has further complicated preparations.
Senator Anyanwu, a known ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has been sidelined by a faction of PDP governors.
In his absence, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo has been performing the duties of the National Secretary, a move not formally ratified by the party in accordance with its constitution.
INEC’s position reaffirms Senator Anyanwu’s legitimacy as the National Secretary and highlights the legal implications of bypassing him in party communications.
The PDP constitution grants the National Secretary specific administrative powers, including the authority to issue official notices and convene party meetings.
This is not the first time the party has faced such scrutiny. In a recent incident, INEC refused to accept the nomination of Jude Ezenwafor as the PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate due to a lack of endorsement by the National Secretary.
That impasse was only resolved after Anyanwu eventually signed the nomination letter following interventions by party leaders, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who chairs the PDP reconciliation committee.
The consequences of the current impasse are far-reaching. Without resolving the leadership question or securing Anyanwu’s cooperation or removing him through constitutional means INEC may not recognise any decisions taken at the June 30 NEC meeting.
This could stall key party activities and disrupt the PDP’s political calendar ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers say the situation underscores the importance of internal unity and adherence to party processes, as the PDP attempts to position itself as a viable opposition in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
