PDP NEC Crisis Deepens as NWC Convenes Emergency Meeting After Stalemate with INEC

The lingering leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday after a crucial meeting between the party’s governors, National Working Committee (NWC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ended without resolution. The impasse has forced the NWC to convene an emergency meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

A highly placed source within the party, speaking anonymously to opitanglobamedia news revealed that INEC refrained from offering a definitive stance on the contentious issue of the party’s National Secretary. Instead, the commission advised PDP leaders to resolve the matter internally by consulting the party’s constitution, court judgments, and relevant documents.

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting in Abuja, admitted that while discussions were “fruitful,” the party needed to consult with its stakeholders before formulating a clear position. “We will go back and meet with our larger stakeholders and disseminate all our discussions that took place today and we will come out with a position,” Damagum stated.

INEC Flags Procedural Breaches Amid Conflicting Communications

The bone of contention revolves around the disputed position of National Secretary between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, who enjoys the backing of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the commission had been inundated with conflicting letters from the PDP — first recognising Udeh-Okoye, then Anyanwu, then Setonji Koshoedo, and again back to Anyanwu.

Prof. Yakubu expressed concern over the latest communication from the PDP regarding its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was signed solely by Damagum without the required co-signature from the National Secretary. He reminded the PDP delegation that previous communications, including the 99 NEC meetings before this, adhered strictly to this procedure.

“The commission is the registrar and regulator of political parties, and it is vital that parties comply with their own rules and our guidelines,” Yakubu emphasised. He further clarified that INEC’s role was to observe internal party processes, not interfere, but the commission must ensure legal and procedural compliance.

–Mounting Internal Tensions as NEC Meeting Hangs in the Balance

The crisis over the National Secretary position has not only stalled the PDP’s NEC meetings but has also triggered deepening fractures within the party. Damagum’s attempt to distance the party from the public comments made by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has further ignited tensions.

Ologunagba had earlier clarified that INEC does not have constitutional powers to cancel or dictate internal party meetings, citing Supreme Court judgments. However, Damagum dismissed these remarks as “regrettable” and “premature,” stating that they were made without the NWC’s approval.

This rebuttal has stirred backlash from senior party figures and stakeholders who viewed it as a violation of party processes. The disagreement has heightened concerns about the PDP’s ability to maintain unity ahead of critical political timelines.

Party Elders, Former Spokespersons Slam Damagum’s Handling of Crisis

The fallout from Damagum’s comments has drawn strong reactions from former National Publicity Secretaries, Olisa Metuh and Kola Ologbondiyan. In a statement posted on Facebook, Metuh described Damagum’s remarks as a “cardinal offence” against the PDP constitution and a threat to the party’s integrity.

“My heart bleeds when I read about the present happenings in this party formed by the G34 as a bastion of democracy,” Metuh lamented. He warned that such internal wrangling could erode public trust in the PDP’s leadership and messaging.

Similarly, Ologbondiyan condemned Damagum’s attempt to undermine the authority of the NEC and NWC, stating, “This latest action by Damagum is completely unacceptable and a major affront to the authority of NEC, the NWC, and the sensibility of all PDP members.”

Both elders called on party stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the PDP’s legacy as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party.

–The Road Ahead: Can the PDP Survive Another Leadership Crisis?

Following the inconclusive meeting with INEC, PDP governors and top party leaders reconvened at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja to chart a way forward. Sources disclosed that no concrete resolution was reached, with INEC maintaining that it was not its role to determine the rightful National Secretary.

Observers note that the PDP has been plagued by persistent internal disputes since its loss of the presidency in 2015. Leadership tussles, factional battles, and defections continue to weaken the party’s cohesion.

As the NWC meets in an emergency session today, the party stands at a critical juncture. Whether the PDP can navigate this storm and restore internal order remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that failure to resolve the crisis could further undermine its credibility ahead of future elections.