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NEC meeting scrapped as INEC flags irregularities in party notice
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Anyanwu returns as National Secretary amid internal leadership tension
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Party says decision is painful but crucial for survival and FCT elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and cancelled its planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting earlier scheduled for June 30, 2025, following a compliance advisory from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, at a press briefing held at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, where he addressed reporters in the presence of key party leaders including Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki.
In a statement signed by Damagum, the party said it opted for an expanded caucus meeting in place of the NEC session, citing INEC’s objection to the original notification which lacked joint signatures of both the National Chairman and National Secretary as required.
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“INEC told us they don’t have any notice of the NEC meeting because I was the only one who signed. So we’ve not followed the guidelines. That caucus will now take a decision for NEC and all critical issues leading to our national convention,” Damagum stated.
He added, “Anyanwu will resume as the National Secretary. That’s the most important thing.”
INEC’s intervention follows confusion over the rightful occupant of the secretary position, as Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu have been locked in a prolonged dispute that has paralysed NEC activity. A previous fact-finding committee led by Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State confirmed that INEC only recognises Anyanwu as the legitimate secretary, further undermining internal efforts to replace him.
While explaining the PDP’s decision, Damagum called it a “bitter pill” that had to be swallowed for the party’s unity and survival, especially as it prepares for the upcoming FCT council elections.
“INEC is our regulator and they have told us their position. The National Secretary is a signatory to the party. We are running out of time. So we have no option but to abide by the advice,” he said.
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The latest reversal exposes the ongoing cracks within the opposition party, which has been grappling with persistent internal crises since its loss of federal power in 2015. Power tussles, factional control, and conflicting public statements have added to the disarray.
Earlier, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had claimed INEC’s role did not extend to internal party matters, but Damagum publicly disowned that statement, calling it “personal opinion” not approved by the leadership.
