As internal tensions rock the Peoples Democratic Party, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has affirmed that the party’s 100th National Executive Committee meeting will hold on Monday, June 30, as earlier scheduled.
Arapaja, who addressed journalists Sunday night at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, dismissed a proposed “Expanded National Caucus” meeting, saying the party’s constitution has no such provision.
Flanked by other NWC members, including National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, among others, Arapaja maintained that the NEC meeting, fixed by the 99th NEC on May 27, remains valid and binding.
He was also joined by South East Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, National Woman Leader Amina Darasimi, National Auditor Okechukwu Obiechin, National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, and National Vice Chairman (South West) Ajisafe Toyese.
He stated, “We have called you to, through you, further update all members of the PDP and the general public on the activities of the Party especially with regard to the 100th meeting of the NEC statutorily scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, 30th June, 2025 and the National Convention scheduled for Thursday 28th to Saturday, 30th August, 2025.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC assures all Party members that the 100th NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled tomorrow, Monday, 30th June, 202,5 at the NEC Hall of the Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja.”
He added that the meeting would receive updates from the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Organising Committee.
He said, “As you are aware, the 100th meeting was unanimously scheduled by NEC at its 99th meeting held on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025.
“By virtue of Section 31(3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) the Monday, 30th June, 2025 date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all Organs and members, and as such no Organ, group or officer of the Party has the power to alter, change, vary, veto or convert the already convened NEC meeting.
“Contrary to a purported Notice being circulated in the social media suggesting that the 100th NEC meeting has been converted to a Special Expanded National Caucus meeting, the NWC states in clear terms that the said Notice did not emanate from the PDP and should be disregarded.”
Arapaja stressed that the PDP constitution and party guidelines contain no provision at all for an Expanded National Caucus.
He added, “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 30 of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing for a National Caucus for the Party with its composition, functions and meetings clearly spelt out, leaving no room for any form of expansion.
“The suggestion, proposal or announcement for a ‘Special Expanded National Caucus meeting’ is therefore unconstitutional and cannot take any decision for the PDP, being not a recognised Organ or Body in the PDP.
“The PDP is a political Party build on the foundation and pedestal of strict adherence to the Rule of Law, guided by the due process of our Party Constitution and the ethos of internal democracy, which values must be protected and preserved at all time.
“The NWC acknowledges the support and solidarity of the members of the PDP and reassures that the 100th NEC meeting and the National Convention will go on as scheduled by NEC.”
The PDP has been divided over the status of its National Secretary and the fate of Monday’s NEC meeting.
A faction loyal to Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum — including ex-Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Adamu Fintiri — is backing the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the postponement of the NEC.
Last Tuesday, Damagum announced Anyanwu’s reinstatement and declared the NEC meeting postponed, replacing it with an expanded caucus session.
The announcement followed a fact-finding meeting with INEC, which recognised Anyanwu as National Secretary.
However, another camp, including Governor Seyi Makinde and 11 NWC members, rejected Anyanwu’s return and insisted the NEC must hold as scheduled.
They cited the lack of NEC approval for Anyanwu’s reinstatement and called Damagum’s announcement misleading.
INEC had declined to acknowledge the NEC notification because it lacked the required joint signature of the National Chairman and Secretary, advising the party to follow due process.
Meanwhile, six deputy national officers have endorsed Anyanwu’s return and backed the June 30 expanded caucus meeting.
PUNCH
