The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised objections to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, citing a violation of its electoral regulations.

 

In a letter dated June 13, 2025, and addressed to the PDP’s National Chairman, INEC stated that the notice submitted by the party failed to meet the requirements of Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The provision mandates that notices for meetings must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party.

 

The letter, referenced INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80 and signed by the Commission’s Acting Secretary, Mathru Aminu, read:

 

“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 of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission.’ Be guided.”

 

The PDP had earlier, in a letter dated May 30, notified INEC of its intention to hold the long-delayed NEC meeting at its National Secretariat in Abuja on June 30, 2025. However, the notice was signed solely by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, thus breaching the dual-signature rule, despite adhering to the 21-day notification timeline.

 

The meeting is expected to address several contentious issues, including the disputed status of the National Secretary’s office, ratification of zonal congresses, and reviews of strategic internal reports. Insiders say the meeting has been postponed six times due to ongoing internal rifts.

 

The PDP has struggled with deep internal divisions, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions. These tensions have contributed to a wave of high-profile defections. Notably, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the opposition’s national standing.

 

In a separate development, INEC also announced the official date for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled to hold on February 15, 2026. The commission confirmed preparations were underway and promised to release a full election timetable in the coming weeks.

 

Regarding the Anambra 2025 Governorship Election, INEC confirmed that it remains on schedule and that a detailed timetable, including party primaries and campaign timelines, will be made public before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

 

With critical elections looming and internal party strife intensifying, political watchers say the next few months will be pivotal for both the PDP and Nigeria’s broader democratic landscape.