The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s leading opposition party, has promised to swiftly resolve the internal controversy over the rightful occupant of its national secretary position.
This assurance was given on Monday by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, following a high-level meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The meeting came in response to months of conflicting communications sent by the party to INEC, naming different individuals as the national secretary.
Senior PDP figures attended the talks, including governors and top stakeholders such as Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), alongside former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former governors Ahmad Makarfi and Seriake Dickson.
Following the closed-door discussions, Damagum said: “Politics is constantly evolving. We’ve had a meaningful dialogue today and will consult with our larger party network before issuing a clear decision on the matter.”
Prior to the closed session, he acknowledged INEC’s concerns, noting that the party was committed to acting within legal and procedural guidelines. “Your response to our last letter reminded us to be guided by the rules, and that’s why we’re here – to have a sincere, off-camera discussion that will guide our next steps,” he told INEC.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the commission had received letters at various times naming different individuals — including Udeh Okoye, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Setonji Koshoedo — as the party’s national secretary. He said the most recent letter bore only the signature of the national chairman, violating INEC’s procedural requirements.
“Our regulations are clear: communications from political parties regarding NEC meetings or conventions must be signed jointly by the chairman and secretary,” Yakubu stated.
A formal letter dated 13 June 2025 from INEC had earlier rejected the PDP’s notice for its upcoming NEC meeting, citing failure to comply with Part 2(12)3 of the Guidelines for Political Parties (2022). The commission emphasised the need for strict adherence to the rules, warning that failure to comply may render internal decisions invalid.
The PDP has now vowed to address the confusion without delay and ensure future correspondence meets legal requirements.
