An emergency meeting has been convened amid rising uncertainty surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30. The gathering, meant to mark a milestone, is now mired in internal disputes and procedural concerns raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a letter dated June 13 and signed by Acting Secretary Mathru Aminu, INEC flagged the PDP’s NEC notice as non-compliant with its regulations. Citing Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, the commission noted that meeting notices must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary.

“The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice is not in compliance… The National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice… Be guided,” the letter stated.

Reacting to INEC’s position, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, questioned its authority: “If the Supreme Court has ruled that this is an internal party affair, what is INEC saying? Between INEC and the Supreme Court, who has more power?” He urged the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to tread carefully: “Kadan kadan… Is INEC suggesting we no longer have a secretary?”

Despite the controversy, PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, recommended allowing Senator Samuel Anyanwu to sign the NEC notification: “Allow Sen. Anyanwu to sign (Notice of NEC meeting),” he advised.

A group of concerned PDP stakeholders also weighed in, warning that Anyanwu’s removal through unconstitutional means could destabilise the party. In a statement signed by National Convener Aminu Das Sadiq, the group urged the leadership to respect both the Supreme Court’s judgment and INEC’s formal recognition of Anyanwu.

“Let Senator Anyanwu serve out the remainder of his tenure… We must hold a proper unity elective convention and allow party members to democratically choose the next leadership,” the group stated.

The stakeholders accused Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) of allegedly plotting to oust Anyanwu in a bid to reduce the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who is believed to support him.

“This disregard for the Supreme Court’s decision and selective conflict resolution undermines party unity and promotes personal ambition over collective interest,” the group warned, pointing to a similar dispute in 2024 involving Debo Ologunagba and Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN that was ultimately resolved through negotiation.

The crux of the crisis is the contested National Secretary position. Senator Anyanwu, who ran in the 2023 Imo governorship election, never formally stepped down, but the South-East PDP caucus nominated Sunday Udeh-Okoye as his replacement. Meanwhile, a fact-finding committee chaired by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas confirmed in a May 27 report that INEC still recognises Anyanwu as National Secretary.

To address the procedural issues, the party temporarily elevated Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as Acting Secretary. Acting Chairman Umar Damagum then issued the NEC notice—signed only by himself—which INEC has now rejected for being improperly executed.

The situation has been further inflamed by internal wrangling, including major defections, unresolved regional congress issues, and leadership disputes—particularly in the South-East and South-South. These tensions have forced six postponements of the NEC meeting, stalling key decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With less than six months remaining in Anyanwu’s tenure, many within the party question the rationale behind what they describe as a “witch-hunt.” The group urged party leaders—including Governors Bala Mohammed, Makinde, and Mbah, as well as the Board of Trustees, NEC, and South-East Caucus—to act swiftly and preserve unity.

“The PDP has survived greater challenges before by placing unity above division,” their statement concluded. “We can overcome this too—if we choose to work together.”