The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself embroiled in a deepening internal crisis over the position of National Secretary and the legitimacy of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025. With rival factions mobilizing to hold separate meetings in Abuja, a significant showdown within the party appears imminent.
Okay.ng reports that sources close to the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that both camps are actively preparing to convene their respective meetings. The Board of Trustees (BoT) is also expected to meet amid the turmoil.
On Sunday afternoon at Wadata Plaza, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, embattled National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Vice Chairman (North West) Senator Bello Gwarzo, and two other National Working Committee (NWC) members reaffirmed their stance that an expanded National Caucus meeting should replace the NEC meeting.
In contrast, by Sunday evening, a majority of the NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, South East Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, National Woman Leader Amina Darasimi, acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Auditor Okechukwu Obiechin, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, and National Vice Chairman (South West) Ajisafe Toyese insisted that the NEC meeting would proceed as scheduled with Koshoedo remaining acting National Secretary.
The faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which includes Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), 11 NWC members, and other senior party figures, is adamant that the NEC meeting must hold as planned and opposes Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary.
Conversely, the camp loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, comprising Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), acting National Chairman Damagum, National Organising Secretary Bature, and National Legal Adviser Ajibade, advocates for Anyanwu’s reinstatement and postponement of the NEC meeting.
Since losing power in 2015, the PDP has been plagued by internal strife, leadership tussles, defections, and unresolved congresses in key states. To stabilize the party, Koshoedo was appointed acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding committee led by Governor Kefas Agbu confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still recognizes Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary.
Following this, the 99th NEC meeting scheduled the 100th NEC for June 30, 2025, and Damagum notified INEC accordingly on May 30. INEC rejected the notification, stating that such letters must be co-signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary per PDP’s internal procedures, urging compliance with constitutional processes.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated at a press conference that INEC’s role is limited to receiving party notifications and does not interfere in internal party affairs. However, Damagum distanced the party from Ologunagba’s comments, calling them personal views and premature.
The rift widened after Damagum led a delegation to a fact-finding meeting with INEC in Abuja on June 25. At a press conference, Damagum announced Anyanwu’s reinstatement and postponed the 100th NEC meeting, proposing an expanded National Caucus meeting on June 30 instead.
Six deputy national officers endorsed Anyanwu’s return, calling it a victory for the party. However, 11 of 18 NWC members rejected the reinstatement and insisted the NEC meeting proceed as scheduled.
A top source from Makinde’s camp confirmed preparations for the 100th NEC meeting, emphasizing the party’s survival depends on adherence to its constitution and the NEC’s authority.
At a Sunday night press conference, Deputy National Chairman Arapaja reiterated the NEC meeting would hold, dismissing claims that it had been converted into an expanded National Caucus meeting as unconstitutional and invalid.
Meanwhile, Wike’s camp insists the June 30 meeting is a National Caucus meeting, not an NEC session, to allow broader party participation and avoid conflict.
Senator Anyanwu issued an invitation for the special expanded National Caucus meeting, specifying attendance by statutory members, deputy national officers, BoT members, state chairmen, PDP National Assembly Caucus members, former NWC members, ex-governors, and immediate past gubernatorial candidates.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed support for the NWC, BoT, and South East Zonal Executive Committee’s position, warning that the South East might reconsider its PDP membership if the National Secretary issue is not resolved.
Former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Olabode George said he would attend the meeting regardless of its name, emphasizing the need for unity and resolution.
Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan stressed the importance of honoring the NEC’s June 30 meeting date, calling it the highest decision-making organ after the convention.
Former National Secretary Senator Ibrahim Tsauri acknowledged the party’s internal challenges but highlighted PDP’s commitment to law and democracy, explaining the rationale for the expanded stakeholders’ meeting.
Former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso stated the meeting’s outcome would be determined internally without speculation.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the PDP as a dying party incapable of managing the country, welcoming the opposition’s internal crisis as validation of APC’s cohesion and governance.
The PDP’s internal conflict underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s main opposition party as it struggles to maintain unity and relevance ahead of future elections.
