INEC, PDP Hold Closed-Door Talks Over National Secretary Dispute Ahead of NEC Meeting
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday to resolve disputes surrounding the party’s National Secretary ahead of its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.
The meeting, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top PDP figures including Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagun and governors from Zamfara, Bauchi, Plateau, and Oyo states. Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi and other senior party members also participated.
At the heart of the talks was INEC’s concern over the legitimacy of the invitation to monitor the upcoming NEC meeting. INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu highlighted the absence of the National Secretary’s signature—contrary to standard protocol—as well as inconsistencies in the party’s communications regarding the identity of the Secretary.
Yakubu emphasized INEC’s role as the regulator of political parties and stressed the importance of due process. He noted the commission had received 99 properly signed NEC invitations in the past, and the 100th should be no different.
PDP Acting Chairman Damagun described the visit as part of efforts to resolve internal matters and declined to disclose details of the meeting, saying the party would first consult with state stakeholders.
The development comes amid internal leadership tensions within the PDP as it gears up for a pivotal NEC session.
