PDP Postpones 100th NEC Meeting to Allow Reconciliation Process Completion

In a strategic move to ease internal tensions and prevent further discord, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially announced the postponement of its highly anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The decision, disclosed in a statement by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, underscores the leadership’s commitment to achieving reconciliation before convening its top decision-making body.

The NEC meeting, originally scheduled to take place on May 27, has now been put on hold to give the Reconciliation Committee—led by former Senate President Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki—ample time to complete its assignment of addressing long-standing intra-party disputes. The development is the latest in a series of efforts aimed at healing internal divisions that have plagued the party, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.

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“This is to formally inform leaders and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party that the proposed NEC meeting earlier announced to take place on May 27 has been postponed,” the statement from Anyanwu read. “The postponement is to allow Senator Bukola Saraki’s Reconciliation Committee to complete its assignment of resolving some internal conflicts to have a peaceful NEC meeting.”

Postponement Signals Effort to Restore Party Unity Before Key Meeting

The PDP, Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, has found itself in a turbulent period marked by internal disagreements, conflicting leadership signals, and mounting factionalism. The decision to delay the 100th NEC meeting appears to be a calculated step to prevent further rifts from derailing crucial decisions, including leadership arrangements and strategic planning for upcoming elections.

The postponement also casts a spotlight on the delicate power dynamics within the PDP, as evidenced by Anyanwu’s firm stance on the legitimacy of communications regarding the meeting. In his statement, Anyanwu made it clear that any alternate announcements concerning the NEC meeting—particularly those from the Deputy National Secretary—are unauthorized and should be dismissed by party members.

“Accordingly, a new date will be formally announced with the PDP constitution 2017 as amended and the Electoral Act 2022. Therefore, any notice of NEC meeting or publication by the Deputy National Secretary in the guise of Acting is illegal, unauthorised and should be disregarded,” Anyanwu asserted.

This sharp rebuke of any parallel communications is widely interpreted as a veiled response to recent actions taken by party officials allegedly operating outside their authorized roles—an issue that has further complicated the party’s efforts to project unity.

The Saraki-led reconciliation committee was inaugurated to manage the growing internal crisis, which has seen several top stakeholders trade blame and call for reforms. The committee has been engaging with various factions within the party, including governors, former lawmakers, and zonal leaders, to resolve grievances and reach consensus on contentious issues.

Analysts say the success or failure of the Saraki committee’s efforts could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections. The NEC, being the highest decision-making organ of the PDP, plays a critical role in setting the agenda, ratifying decisions, and steering the party’s national strategy.

The PDP has also been under pressure from party faithful and political observers to reposition itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, recurring internal crises have hampered its ability to unify around a clear policy platform or leadership structure.

In recent weeks, several party figures—including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike—have spoken publicly about broken agreements and betrayal within the party ranks. These public fallouts have further emphasized the urgency of reconciliation efforts if the PDP is to avoid further fragmentation.

Despite the postponement, party leadership remains optimistic that the Saraki committee can broker a peaceful resolution. Anyanwu concluded his statement by expressing regret over the inconvenience caused and assured members that a new date for the NEC meeting would be announced soon.

“All inconveniences resulting from the change in date are regretted,” the statement noted.

As the PDP navigates its internal storm, all eyes will be on the outcome of the reconciliation process. Whether the party can mend fences and present a united front remains to be seen, but the decision to delay such a critical meeting suggests that party leaders are at least attempting to prioritize long-term stability over short-term optics.