PDP On The Brink: INEC Clashes With Party Leadership In Explosive Power Tussle

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, alongside governors elected on the party’s platform and other top stakeholders, is set to hold a crucial meeting today (Wednesday) in Abuja with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This emergency meeting comes amid rising tensions surrounding the PDP’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30. The gathering is under intense scrutiny due to internal conflicts and procedural concerns raised by INEC.

In a letter dated June 13 and signed by Acting Secretary Mathru Aminu, INEC faulted the party’s notification for the NEC meeting, stating it contravened established electoral guidelines. Specifically, INEC cited Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which mandates that such notices must be co-signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party.

INEC’s letter pointed out that the notice submitted was signed solely by Damagum, without the signature of the National Secretary, thereby rendering it non-compliant.

The core of the dispute lies in the contested position of National Secretary, currently held by Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Despite contesting the 2023 Imo governorship election, Anyanwu never formally resigned from his party post. However, the South-East Caucus has since nominated Sunday Udeh-Okoye to replace him.

A fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, submitted a report to the PDP National Caucus on May 27 confirming that INEC still recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary.

To resolve the growing uncertainty, the PDP appointed Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as Acting Secretary and proceeded to notify INEC of the planned NEC meeting. This decision, however, did not meet INEC’s procedural standards, intensifying the crisis.

Heightened Internal Friction

The PDP’s internal discord has been deepened by ongoing defections, unsettled congresses, and leadership power struggles—especially within the South-South and South-East regions. These complications have already forced the postponement of the NEC meeting six times, delaying crucial decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to The PUNCH, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, criticized INEC’s interference. “INEC cannot decide who the PDP National Secretary is,” he asserted. “If the Supreme Court has declared this an internal party affair, why is INEC intervening? Who holds more authority—the Supreme Court or INEC?”

He cautioned INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to act with restraint: “I want to tell Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, kadan kadan (tread softly)… Are they saying PDP has no secretary now?”

However, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature has advised that the party allow Anyanwu to co-sign the NEC notification to avoid further legal complications.

Stakeholders Sound Alarm

A group of concerned PDP stakeholders, led by National Convener Aminu Das Sadiq, warned that an unconstitutional removal of Anyanwu could destabilize the party. The group emphasized respect for both the Supreme Court’s ruling and INEC’s formal recognition.

“Let Senator Anyanwu complete his constitutionally guaranteed term,” they urged. “We should convene a legitimate elective unity convention and let members decide their future leadership.”

The group accused Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) of conspiring to oust Anyanwu as part of a broader effort to diminish the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, a key ally of the embattled secretary.

“This selective disregard for judicial rulings and due process signals a shift toward personal ambitions over party stability,” the group warned. They also cited a 2024 leadership dispute involving Debo Ologunagba and Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, which was resolved through internal dialogue.

With only about six months left in Anyanwu’s tenure, the group questioned the rationale behind what they termed a “witch-hunt,” warning that continued strife could severely damage the PDP’s chances in future elections.

They called on party leaders—including Governors Bala Mohammed, Makinde, Mbah, the Board of Trustees (BoT), NEC members, and the South-East Caucus—to prioritize peace and unity.

“In the face of past crises, PDP has always emerged stronger through unity. Now is another moment to rise above division,” the statement concluded.