The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has rejected what it describes as unwarranted interference by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in its internal affairs, declaring that INEC lacks the constitutional power to regulate its regular meetings such as the National Executive Committee, NEC sessions, unless such meetings involve the election of party Officers or Candidates.
The PDP said this during a briefing at its National Secretariat in Abuja, where the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed journalists on key developments ahead of its 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.
According to Ologunagba, the PDP had duly notified INEC of the upcoming NEC meeting in line with established practice, even though such meetings fall outside the categories of political events that legally require INEC’s involvement.
Olugunagba explained that under Nigeria’s laws and the PDP’s constitution, INEC is only required to be notified of conventions, congresses, or primaries involving the election of Party Officers or Candidates.
He said that in the letter to INEC, PDP did not state that the meeting was for electing officers, conducting primaries, or nominating candidates for elective positions, yet, the Acting Secretary of INEC, Halilu Aminu, decided to unilaterally assign a purpose to the meeting.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary says the 100th NEC meeting will review progress on preparations for its forthcoming national convention, including updates from the Zoning and Convention Committees constituted at the 99th NEC meeting.
He also noted that unresolved issues, such as the South East Zonal Executive and the office of the National Secretary, would be addressed at the upcoming 100th NEC meeting.
Olugunagba clarified that the PDP had complied with the 21-day notification rule and submitted its notice to INEC on May 13, which was acknowledged by the commission on the same day.
However, INEC, in a response dated June 13, raised concerns over the signatories to the PDP’s letter, stating that the notice was invalid because it was not jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, as required under its regulations.
The PDP’s Spokesperson accused INEC of attempting to undermine the PDP and frustrate its internal processes under the guise of regulation, suggesting it was part of a wider agenda to stifle opposition and tilt the country toward a one-party system as he questioned the motives of INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, and called on the Electoral Commission to investigate Haliru’s actions.
Olugunagba provided updates on the Party’s reconciliation efforts and property-related court cases, assuring that the PDP remained focused on uniting its ranks and preparing for the 2027 general elections.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
