PDP National Secretary crisis dominates talks as governors meet INEC today to resolve NEC deadlock and clarify recognition of Anyanwu or Udeh-Okoye
The PDP National Secretary crisis is expected to dominate today’s meeting between Peoples Democratic Party governors and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the party continues to grapple with leadership disputes ahead of its crucial 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) session.
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According to an exclusive letter dated June 18, signed by INEC’s acting Secretary Halliru Aminu and obtained by The PUNCH, the meeting will take place at 2:00 pm today in the commission’s Conference Hall in Abuja.
Party insiders confirmed that the meeting would address the unresolved controversy over who INEC officially recognises as National Secretary—Senator Samuel Anyanwu or Sunday Udeh-Okoye—as well as the procedural dispute surrounding the 100th NEC meeting notice.
The PDP National Secretary crisis has been one of the most volatile issues plaguing the party since its fall from power in 2015.
The rivalry between Anyanwu, who is backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Udeh-Okoye, backed by others in the National Working Committee (NWC), has deepened internal fissures and delayed critical party functions.
To manage the fallout, Setonji Koshoedo was named acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding panel chaired by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu discovered that INEC still recognises Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.
Amid this dispute, the PDP’s 99th NEC fixed June 30 for the 100th NEC session.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum formally notified INEC, but the commission rejected the communication on procedural grounds, insisting that notices must be jointly signed by both the chairman and the recognised secretary.
Reacting at a press conference on Sunday, PDP Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba claimed that INEC had no authority to interfere in regular NEC meetings, citing legal precedents.
We will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing.
“INEC cannot cancel our meetings. It is the party’s prerogative to decide such matters,” he stated.
But in a swift rebuttal, Damagum distanced the party from Ologunagba’s remarks, describing them as unauthorised and premature.
“The comments were made without due consultation,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“The views expressed by Hon. Ologunagba in that press interaction are entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”
He added, “It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to established internal processes or the leadership of the party.”
INEC, in its reply titled “Re: Request for Audience with the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission,” proposed today’s meeting as an alternative to the PDP’s earlier suggested date.
A source familiar with the meeting agenda said: “Of course, the meeting is about the National Secretary and the 100th NEC meeting. The governors and other party leaders will determine who INEC recognises. The recent letters exchanged will also be thoroughly discussed.”
The PDP National Secretary crisis has become a symbol of the party’s broader dysfunction, with factional loyalties and procedural missteps threatening to derail its national revival efforts.
Analysts say resolving the issue swiftly is critical to restoring unity and credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
Damagum reiterated the party’s commitment to democratic norms: “We remain committed to conducting our 100th NEC meeting in accordance with constitutional provisions. However, we will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing.”
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As the party navigates today’s high-stakes meeting, all eyes will be on whether this marks a turning point or yet another episode in its ongoing internal implosion.
