INEC Has No Business in PDP’s Internal Affairs” — Amadi Backs Party Amid NEC Meeting Dispute
Sam Amadi
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has thrown his weight behind the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in its dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the legality of the PDP’s upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025.
Speaking on News Program Amadi criticized INEC’s interference in what he described as a purely internal party affair, saying the commission has no legal basis to question the PDP’s meeting procedures.
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The controversy began when INEC raised doubts about the validity of the PDP’s meeting notice. The letter was signed by Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, but INEC insisted it must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the substantive National Secretary, whom it still recognizes as Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The PDP, however, stands by Koshoedo’s authority.
“An acting secretary is a secretary. A letter signed by an acting secretary is valid,” Amadi stated, emphasizing that INEC’s role is limited to overseeing events with electoral implications, such as party primaries or conventions—not routine meetings like a NEC gathering.
He accused INEC of overreaching and fueling perceptions of political bias by preemptively questioning the legitimacy of the PDP’s notice without any objection from a recognized party leader. “INEC should presume the acting secretary’s authority unless there’s a formal contradiction,” Amadi argued.
Amadi also drew attention to a deeper concern over INEC’s impartiality, referencing its recent acceptance of a new headquarters building donated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a prominent figure in the ruling APC. He described the move as “an open bribe” and warned it could damage the commission’s credibility—especially since Wike has openly vowed to deliver the Federal Capital Territory to President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“INEC should have rejected the building. If it needs one, it should seek proper funding through the National Assembly, not rely on partisan charity,” he added, noting that INEC’s budget is already constitutionally secured as a first-line charge.
On the judicial front, Amadi criticized a Supreme Court ruling that allows parties to resolve internal disputes independently, calling it a dangerous legal loophole. He argued that courts must play a clearer role in interpreting party rules to prevent crises like those recently witnessed in both the PDP and Labour Party.
“The judiciary must step in to clarify who holds legitimate authority within political parties, rather than leaving it to internal politics,” Amadi insisted.
As the PDP continues to defend its right to hold the June 30 meeting, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba reiterated that the gathering is aimed at resolving internal issues, including leadership roles in the South East zone.
Amadi’s remarks have added weight to the PDP’s stance and intensified public scrutiny on INEC’s actions—at a time when Nigeria’s political climate is already heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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