ABUJA — A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as internal power struggles have led to plans for two parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, threatening further division within the opposition party.

At the center of the crisis are disagreements over leadership legitimacy, party procedure, and the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in internal affairs.

Leadership Split Widens

The conflict escalated after Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and postponed the scheduled NEC meeting. The decision, however, was immediately rejected by the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and several prominent governors.

While Damagum called for an ‘expanded caucus meeting’, the NWC and BoT insisted the NEC meeting must hold as originally planned on June 30, 2025.

INEC’s Role Questioned

INEC initially rejected the PDP’s NEC notification, stating that it lacked the required co-signature from the party’s National Secretary. This procedural issue sparked confusion and provided ammunition for both factions. However, a letter from INEC, revealed by the civil society group Initiative for Ethics and Value Orientation, stated that no such advisory was issued—validating the appointment of Arc. Setonji Koshoedo as Acting Secretary.

Despite this, Acting Chairman Damagum disowned a public statement made by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba defending the NEC notification, further deepening internal divisions.

PDP Staff Protest, Accuse Anyanwu of Destabilizing Role

As the drama unfolded, PDP staff at the national secretariat staged a walkout in protest against Anyanwu’s reinstatement, accusing him of destabilizing the party. Yet Anyanwu continued to enjoy backing from powerful allies like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

NEC Meeting To Hold Regardless – NWC, Arapaja Insist

PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, confirmed that the NEC meeting would proceed as planned. Joined by other NWC members, he emphasized that the NEC gathering was scheduled during the 99th NEC session and cannot be overridden.

“The 100th NEC meeting will hold on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Wadata Plaza Secretariat in Abuja,” Arapaja said, adding that the meeting will receive reports from the zoning and convention planning committees.

He also dismissed as unconstitutional the claim that the NEC had been converted into a “Special Expanded National Caucus Meeting,” insisting such a body does not exist in the PDP Constitution.

Governor Mbah: South East Position Is Sacrosanct

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State reaffirmed his support for the NEC meeting and aligned with the positions of the South East Zonal Executive Committee, NWC, and BoT. Mbah warned that the South East could review its relationship with the PDP if its demands—particularly concerning the national secretary position—are not honored.

“We in the South East reserve the right to review our continued membership of the PDP if the party fails to respect our position,” Mbah stated, following a closed-door meeting with PDP chieftains including Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Chief Ali Odefa.

Conclusion

As the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting unfolds amid internal wrangling, the party faces a critical test of unity and constitutional order. With multiple factions digging in, stakeholders fear that unless reconciliatory efforts are prioritized, the crisis could further weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.