Several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and senior party leaders met behind closed doors with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday in Abuja, seeking resolution over the party’s ongoing leadership crisis surrounding the position of National Secretary.

The high-stakes meeting, held at INEC headquarters, was led by Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and followed INEC’s rejection of the party’s notice for its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025. INEC cited procedural non-compliance the absence of joint signatures by both the National Chairman and National Secretary as the basis for its decision, referencing the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

Among the PDP delegation were four governors:

• Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
• Seyi Makinde (Oyo)
• Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
• Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)

Also present were party stalwarts including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, ex-Governors Ahmad Makarfi and Seriake Dickson, Senator Abba Moro, and former National Secretary Senator Ben Obi.

In his opening remarks, Amb. Damagum acknowledged INEC’s concern, stating:

“We had a NEC decision which mandated me to sign the letter to INEC to avoid further controversy. Your response reminded us to be guided by the rules. So, we are here to interact sincerely and gain clarity.”

Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu noted the PDP’s inconsistent communication over who holds the position of National Secretary, revealing the commission had received letters at various times listing Ude Okoye, Samuel Anyanwu, and Setonji Koshoedo as secretaries.

“The latest NEC notification had only the chairman’s signature,” Yakubu said, adding that past 99 NEC notices had always included both required signatories.

He reiterated that INEC’s role is regulatory, not political:

“We are not taking sides. We simply seek clarity as the regulator. We are here to help maintain order, not interfere in party politics.”

The meeting continued behind closed doors for nearly two hours, after which the PDP delegation declined to brief the press, leaving uncertainty over the party’s immediate plans for the June 30 NEC meeting.

The unresolved leadership tussle, centered on conflicting claims to the office of National Secretary, continues to pose a threat to PDP’s internal unity and its 2027 election preparations.