PDP Slams INEC Over Alleged Overreach Ahead of 100th NEC Meeting

In a sharp rebuke to Nigeria’s electoral body, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it describes as unwarranted interference by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its internal affairs. The opposition party has firmly stated that INEC lacks the legal authority to regulate meetings of its National Executive Committee (NEC), especially when such gatherings do not involve elections or candidate nominations.

This criticism was delivered by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, during a press briefing on Sunday. He addressed concerns regarding INEC’s purported encroachment, particularly surrounding the PDP’s upcoming 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.

2027 Permutations: Six Governors, Lawmakers Jostle To Replace Shettima As Tinubu’s Running Mate

INEC Accused of Misinterpreting Legal Mandates

Ologunagba clarified that the PDP had formally informed INEC about the upcoming NEC session, not out of obligation, but in line with long-standing political courtesy. However, he emphasized that the electoral body has no constitutional mandate to meddle in regular internal meetings of political parties unless they involve elections of officers or primary processes.

“In line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution, INEC’s oversight is only mandated during conventions, congresses, or primaries that concern the election of party officials or candidates,” Ologunagba stated. “Our 100th NEC meeting is none of these. INEC has absolutely no role in our regular internal proceedings.”

The PDP spokesman voiced concern over what he called an alarming precedent being set by INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu. He accused Aminu of “unilaterally assigning a purpose” to the PDP’s meeting that was never intended or stated by the party.

He added that such an interpretation not only misconstrues the law but also threatens the independence of political parties in a democratic system. “The Supreme Court has clarified in numerous rulings that party autonomy must be protected, especially when it comes to internal decision-making structures like the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC).”

PDP 100th NEC Meeting to Review National Convention Progress

The 100th NEC meeting, set to hold on June 30, will focus on reviewing progress made in preparation for the party’s upcoming national convention. This includes updates from the Convention Planning Committee and the Zoning Committee—both of which were formed at the party’s 99th NEC meeting.

Ologunagba reiterated that the meeting has no electoral agenda. “The goal is to assess reports from these two committees and make decisions critical to the PDP’s internal cohesion and strategic direction. It is an administrative meeting, not an electoral one.”

He also noted that the NEC had unanimously agreed during the 99th session to convene again on June 30. That decision was documented and widely supported across all factions of the party. “This is part of our transparent and consultative process. We are engaging with all stakeholders and organs within the PDP to ensure a unified path toward the national convention.”

The spokesperson emphasized that the party remains committed to the democratic ethos of transparency, accountability, and due process, but will resist any attempt by external institutions to usurp its internal decision-making powers.

This confrontation signals a broader concern among political actors about the boundaries of INEC’s regulatory functions. Legal analysts have long debated whether INEC’s involvement in party affairs should extend beyond conventions and primaries.

Many within the PDP believe this episode serves as a cautionary tale about potential overreach. It may also reignite calls for clearer legal frameworks to delineate the roles of electoral bodies and political parties to avoid future tensions.

As the 2027 general elections approach, observers say that preserving the autonomy of parties while ensuring electoral transparency will be a critical balancing act for Nigeria’s democracy.

The PDP’s clear message remains: internal party decisions, especially those not involving elections, remain the sole prerogative of the party—free from interference, however well-intended.