The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, led by Acting National Chairman, His Excellency Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, convened a high-level meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting is aimed at addressing lingering issues within the PDP and charting a path forward as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The PDP delegation included prominent figures such as His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State; former Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki; and Senator Abba Moro, among other key stakeholders. The presence of such high-profile leaders highlights the urgency and significance of the discussions, which are centered on resolving internal disputes that have threatened the party’s cohesion.
The PDP has been grappling with a series of challenges since losing power at the federal level in 2015. These include leadership tussles, unresolved litigations, defections of key members, and controversies surrounding the National Secretary position. A major point of contention has been INEC’s alleged interference in the party’s internal affairs, particularly regarding the legitimacy of the National Secretary role. The PDP has accused INEC of overstepping its bounds by questioning the party’s choice of leadership, a matter the PDP insists is an internal affair, as affirmed by a Supreme Court ruling.
The immediate trigger for the meeting was INEC’s objection to the PDP’s notice for its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025. In a letter dated June 13, 2025, INEC’s Acting Secretary, Haliru Aminu, cited non-compliance with Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which mandates that notices for NEC meetings be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary. This sparked tensions, with PDP leaders, including former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, warning INEC to “tread softly” and respect the party’s autonomy.
Read also:
- PDP crisis deepens as Damagum reinstates Orbih despite suspension
- Bode George denies reports of PDP’s collapse in Lagos
- PDP crisis: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Anyanwu’s appeal
The ongoing meeting at INEC Headquarters focuses on several critical issues, but more importantly that of National Secretary Dispute; The PDP is seeking clarity on INEC’s stance regarding the National Secretary position.
However, the PDP’s challenges extend beyond the National Secretary dispute. The party has faced significant setbacks, including the defection of prominent governors like Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, as well as unresolved disputes over zonal congresses in the South-South and South-East regions. The crisis in Rivers State and the North-Central zonal congress have further strained the party’s unity. These issues have weakened the PDP’s standing as the main opposition, prompting urgent efforts to stabilize its structure.
Despite these challenges, the PDP says it remains optimistic about its future. The party’s leadership used the occasion of the INEC meeting to reaffirm its commitment to reclaiming power in 2027.
The ongoing meeting between the PDP leadership and INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is a pivotal moment for the opposition party. As the PDP navigates its internal crises and prepares for its 100th NEC meeting, the outcome of these discussions will likely shape its trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections.
