INEC Flags PDP Over NEC Meeting Notice, Cites Electoral Guideline Breach

Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally raised objections to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025. In a letter dated June 13, 2025, the commission warned that the PDP’s submitted notice for the meeting does not comply with established electoral regulations.

According to the letter, which was addressed to the PDP’s National Chairman and obtained by PUNCH, INEC stated that the meeting notification failed to meet the provisions outlined in the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. Specifically, the commission noted a violation of Part 2(12)3, which mandates that notices for key party events, including NEC meetings, must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary.

Court Grants Substituted Service Of Contempt Notice On INEC Chairman Over Disobedience To Judgment

INEC Warns PDP to Adhere to Guidelines

The commission’s letter, referenced as INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80, and signed by Acting Secretary Mathru Aminu, was unequivocal in tone. “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 statement read.

The PDP had initially informed INEC of its intention to hold the milestone NEC meeting through a correspondence dated May 30, 2025. However, the notification bore only the signature of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, thereby triggering INEC’s response. Despite meeting the 21-day statutory notice requirement, the omission of the National Secretary’s signature appears to have rendered the communication procedurally defective.

INEC’s intervention could potentially delay or complicate proceedings for the NEC gathering, which was already postponed six times prior due to internal rifts and leadership uncertainties.

NEC Meeting Tied to Crucial Party Decisions

The 100th NEC meeting is considered critical to the PDP’s political survival and cohesion. Party sources indicate that several unresolved issues are on the agenda, including the lingering controversy over the office of the National Secretary—a role mired in parallel claims and factional power struggles.

Also expected during the meeting are the ratification of zonal congresses, a review of various committee reports, and deliberations on strategies for upcoming state and national elections. The PDP, once Nigeria’s ruling party, has faced relentless internal wrangling before and after the 2023 general elections.

Infighting, regional mistrust, and weak leadership structures have contributed to deep divisions, especially across Rivers State and other areas in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones. These challenges have hampered the party’s organizational effectiveness and public image.

Defections Deepen Crisis Amidst INEC Scrutiny

The NEC meeting comes at a time of significant political attrition for the PDP. Recent defections of key figures—including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—have added to mounting internal tensions.

These high-profile crossovers have raised questions about the PDP’s ability to retain influence in traditionally loyal states, particularly as it struggles to project unity and purpose. Analysts suggest that the June 30 NEC meeting could be a turning point, either setting a course for reconciliation and renewal or reinforcing ongoing fragmentation.

However, with INEC’s latest objection now in the mix, the party faces renewed pressure to resolve internal administrative gaps and abide strictly by electoral protocols. Legal experts also caution that proceeding with the NEC meeting without rectifying the notice violation could render its resolutions legally contestable.

While PDP leadership has yet to issue an official response to INEC’s letter, insiders suggest that discussions are underway to correct the oversight by either reissuing the notice with the required dual signatures or engaging directly with the commission for procedural clarification.

The situation underscores broader concerns about administrative discipline within political parties and the role of INEC in ensuring rule-based electoral operations. The commission’s proactive stance is viewed by observers as part of a broader effort to enforce transparency and orderliness in party affairs ahead of future elections.

As the clock ticks down to June 30, the PDP finds itself at a critical junction—compelled to balance internal reconciliation with regulatory compliance. Whether the NEC meeting ultimately proceeds as planned may depend on the party’s ability to swiftly amend its processes in line with INEC’s demands.