INEC Flags PDP Over NEC Meeting Notice, Cites Regulatory Breach

INEC Flags PDP Over NEC Meeting Notice, Cites Regulatory Breach

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for June 30, 2025, describing the notice submitted by the opposition party as non-compliant with electoral guidelines.

This was conveyed in a letter dated June 13, 2025, and addressed to the PDP’s National Chairman. The correspondence, with reference number INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80, was titled “RE: NOTICE OF 100TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY” and was obtained by PUNCH on Tuesday.

All Facts News reports that INEC said the notice fell short of the requirements of Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which mandates that such notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary.

“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 letter, signed by INEC’s acting Secretary, Mathru Aminu, read.

The development follows an earlier letter dated May 30, wherein the PDP formally informed INEC of its intention to convene the landmark NEC meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

However, the notice was signed solely by acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, in line with the 21-day notification rule, but in apparent violation of the dual-signature requirement.

Party insiders say the June 30 NEC meeting is expected to address several longstanding disputes, including the controversy surrounding the office of the National Secretary, ratification of recent zonal congresses and review of key committee reports

The PDP has been rocked by internal crises both before and after the 2023 general elections, with major fractures evident in Rivers, the South-South, and South-East zones. In addition, unresolved leadership disputes and delayed decision-making have fueled factionalism and high-profile defections.

The NEC meeting, now scheduled after six previous postponements, comes amid continued defections of key members, most notably Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who recently crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).