The 100th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, is in jeopardy as the various factions of the party issued conflicting statements on whether or not the said meeting will hold.
Yesterday, the National Working Committee of the Party held its 601st NWC Meeting at the NWC Hall of the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja.
In attendance were nine out of 16 current members of the NWC. Those present include the Acting National Chairman/CEO, the National Secretary/Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer, respectively.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, the Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum said “the 100th NEC was still Postponed for Statutory Reasons and not An Affront to 99Th NEC Decision, National Caucus (Expanded) Still holds on 30th June, 2025 For Explanation/Review of Issues To Party Members”.
Damagum said some of the key decisions of the NEC Meeting include:
That in line with the Party Leadership’s consideration of the INEC advise, Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary in the overall interest of the Party
To hold a National Caucus Meeting with due (statutory) notice issued by the National Secretary
The National Caucus Meeting is scheduled for Monday, 30th of June, 2025 in the NEC Hall by 2pm with broader (expanded) stakeholders in participation.
The statement reminds members of provision of the PDP Constitution on some powers conferred on the National Chairman to summon a NEC meeting among other responsibilities, “Summon” and “Preside” over all the Organs Meetings – See the PDP Constitution (2017 As Amended) – 35(1)(a); (c) “Provide firm and effective leadership and direct activities of the Party under the overall supervision of NEC.”
On the role of National Secretary, he added that at the instance of the National Chairman summoning meetings, the National Secretary under his powers and functions is “…Cause to be issued notices of all the Organs Meetings.” Referring all to section 36(1)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2017 As Amended).
On the Way Forward, Damagum stated that the leadership of the Party recognises all shades of opinion and emotions and “are making a clarion call to all stakeholders to allow the PDP to survive, stabilize, rescue and rebuild Nigeria for our general good. This should be our collective priority now, please!”
“We look forward to welcoming all invited guests/participants to the Expanded National Caucus Meeting tomorrow and I wish you all safe travels and fruitful deliberations in advance”.
Damagum called on members and supporters of the PDP to ignore news making the round in some section of the media contrary to this press statement.
At the heart of the dispute is the contentious reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and the fate of the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for June 30.
While Makinde’s camp—including Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa)—insist the NEC must proceed as planned.
Wike’s faction, backed by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), has declared the meeting postponed in favour of an “Expanded National Caucus.”
Early Monday, armed police officers surrounded the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effectively halting all planned activities at the party’s Wadata Plaza.
Three major meetings had been scheduled for the day, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and Caucus meetings.
Party leaders, including governors and elders who began arriving in the Federal Capital Territory over the weekend, were shocked to at the sight of barricades and police personnel stationed at every entry point to the building. All roads leading to the party office were blocked, with officers turning back vehicles and barring entry.
A BoT member, speaking anonymously, revealed that he contacted the National Chairman and other top officials who denied any involvement in calling the security operatives.
