The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again mired in internal turmoil, as rival factions battle over the position of National Secretary and the much-anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for today, June 30. Two opposing camps have emerged, each planning separate gatherings in Abuja, one pushing ahead with the NEC meeting, the other calling for a special expanded National Caucus instead. Both sides claim to be acting in accordance with the party’s constitution.
One faction, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and backed by several other governors, insists that the NEC meeting must proceed today, with Setonji Koshoedo continuing as acting National Secretary. The group says all logistical and legal preparations have been made to support the meeting as originally planned.
On the other side, allies of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike are demanding the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and a shift to a National Caucus meeting. They argue that a caucus format would allow for broader participation and help ease rising tensions.
Adding to the confusion, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to recognize the NEC meeting notice, citing procedural lapses. According to INEC, all official party communications must be co-signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary. Meanwhile, a statement by the PDP’s Publicity Secretary attempting to calm the situation was quickly disowned by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who labeled it as unauthorized and personal.
By Sunday night, 11 of the 18 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) reaffirmed their support for holding the NEC meeting today. They dismissed the proposal for a “Special Expanded National Caucus” as unconstitutional. Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, reinforced this position at a press conference, insisting that no individual or party organ has the authority to alter the NEC schedule.
Despite this, Wike’s camp remained defiant, insisting that only a Caucus meeting would be held today and that attendance would be strictly by invitation. As the party’s internal battle drags on, political analysts warn that the deepening division may further destabilize the PDP’s structure ahead of critical elections in 2027.