The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) notification for its planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, insisting that the letter lacked compliance with relevant electoral guidelines — particularly the absence of the National Secretary’s co-signature.
In a letter dated 13 June 2025 and addressed to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, the Commission pointed out that the notification did not meet the provisions of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
The PDP had earlier informed INEC of its intention to hold a NEC meeting on 30 June 2025 at its National Secretariat in Abuja via a letter dated 30 May 2025.
INEC specifically cited Part 2(12)3 of the guideline, which mandates that “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.”
The letter, signed by the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Hajiya Hau’ru Aminu, emphasised that the PDP’s notice lacked the required joint endorsement.
While the PDP had submitted the notification within the stipulated 21-day legal timeframe, it was reportedly signed solely by Damagum without the signature of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu — a known political ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
“The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance… Be guided,” the letter stated in part.
This development comes amid heightened internal crisis within the PDP.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the recognised National Secretary of the party.
The confirmation was disclosed during the PDP’s 99th NEC meeting held at Legacy House, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
At the meeting, the party’s National Caucus fact-finding committee, led by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, informed NEC members that INEC had upheld Anyanwu’s position, citing a Supreme Court judgment and a lack of due process in attempts to remove him.
In a move to address the lingering controversy, the PDP had on Monday inaugurated a three-member verification committee to confirm Anyanwu’s status.
The committee, chaired by Governor Kefas, also includes Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).
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