The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the notice submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, citing a violation of electoral guidelines regarding party communications.
In a letter dated June 13 and addressed to the PDP National Chairman, INEC said the notice did not comply with Part 2(12)3 of its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. According to the commission, the regulation mandates that all notices for party conventions, congresses, conferences, or meetings must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary.
INEC’s letter, signed by Acting Secretary Mathru Aminu and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, read in part: “The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement… that provides: ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice… Be guided.’”
The PDP had, in a letter dated May 30, informed the electoral body of its intention to hold the landmark 100th NEC meeting on June 30, 2025, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. However, the notice was signed solely by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and not co-signed by the National Secretary, thus failing to meet INEC’s stipulated criteria.
The commission has advised the party to ensure full compliance with all guidelines in future correspondences and official notifications.
Party sources told The PUNCH that the upcoming NEC meeting was intended to address a backlog of unresolved internal crises, including disputes over the office of the National Secretary, ratification of recent zonal congresses, and the review of several key committee reports.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been grappling with a wave of internal divisions and leadership disputes since the 2023 general elections. Key friction points include party structures in Rivers, the South-South, and the South-East, as well as the North-Central zonal congress — all contributing to prolonged infighting and strategic paralysis.
The deepening rift has forced the postponement of the NEC meeting six times, stalling crucial decisions and provoking high-profile defections. Notably, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno have recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Analysts warn that unless the PDP resolves its procedural and leadership challenges swiftly, the crisis may further erode its credibility and electoral competitiveness ahead of the next election cycle.