PDP Fires Back at INEC Over June 30 NEC Meeting, Says Electoral Body Has No Power Over Internal Party Affairs
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made it clear that its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will proceed as scheduled on June 30, despite objections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party insists that INEC has no legal authority to interfere in internal party affairs that do not involve elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba questioned INEC’s motives, asking who its Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, was working for after he rejected the PDP’s meeting notice over procedural issues.
The controversy stems from a longstanding leadership tussle within the PDP, particularly over the role of National Secretary. While the party appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary to resolve a dispute between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu (who is backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike), INEC continues to recognize Anyanwu as the substantive officeholder.
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On May 30, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum officially notified INEC about the upcoming NEC meeting. However, INEC rejected the notice, arguing that such letters must be co-signed by both the National Chairman and the officially recognized National Secretary.
Ologunagba fired back, saying the Nigerian Constitution and PDP’s internal rules only require INEC notification for events like primaries, conventions, or mergers — not routine NEC meetings. “INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC. These are internal party matters, as confirmed by Supreme Court rulings,” he stressed.
He further accused INEC’s acting secretary of fabricating a false narrative around the NEC’s agenda. “We never said the meeting was for electing officers or selecting candidates. So where did INEC get that from?” he asked, alleging an attempt to sabotage the PDP’s constitutional operations.
The 100th NEC meeting, according to Ologunagba, will focus on assessing preparations for the upcoming national convention, including reviewing reports from the Zoning and Convention Committees established during the 99th NEC session.
“Why is there desperation to destroy opposition parties? Do they want a one-party state? It won’t happen — not even if you’re a president or a coalition of presidents.”
Ologunagba accused INEC of undermining democracy and warned that such actions could erode both public and international confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. He questioned INEC’s independence, especially as it receives support from international organizations to ensure neutrality and credibility.
The PDP’s firm stance adds to mounting political tension as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over INEC’s impartiality and its relationship with the ruling establishment.
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