A major showdown looms within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as deepening internal rifts escalate over the position of National Secretary and the controversial 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025 (today). Rival factions are now preparing to hold parallel NEC and National Caucus meetings in Abuja.
Factional Mobilization Ahead of NEC Showdown
According to The PUNCH, multiple party insiders confirmed that both factions are mobilising support and preparing separate meetings. A meeting of key party leaders on Sunday afternoon—led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, embattled National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and others—insisted the NEC meeting be replaced by an expanded National Caucus session.
However, a majority of the National Working Committee (NWC), including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and other senior officials, rejected the shift. They insist the NEC meeting must go ahead today as scheduled, with Koshoedo remaining as Acting National Secretary.
Governors Split Into Camps
The crisis has polarized PDP governors into two camps:
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Pro-NEC Group: Led by Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), this camp includes Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), alongside 11 NWC members. They oppose Anyanwu’s return and support the NEC meeting.
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Pro-Anyanwu Group: Aligned with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, this group includes Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and NWC members loyal to Damagum. They support Anyanwu’s reinstatement and the NEC meeting’s postponement.
INEC’s Role and Party Constitution
INEC has declined to recognise changes communicated solely by Damagum, citing PDP’s requirement that both the National Chairman and Secretary co-sign official correspondence. This has complicated the party’s efforts to formally adjust the meeting schedule.
While PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba insisted INEC cannot interfere in internal party matters, Damagum disowned the statement, calling it “personal” and lacking broader consultation.
Competing Meetings and Legitimacy Crisis
Despite the confusion, preparations for both meetings are underway. Arapaja confirmed at a Sunday night press briefing that the NEC meeting will proceed today, 30th June, as resolved during the 99th NEC meeting on May 27. He rejected the concept of an “expanded national caucus,” calling it unconstitutional and lacking basis in the PDP’s 2017 amended constitution.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu issued an invitation to a special expanded national caucus meeting also scheduled for today at the same venue—NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza. Participation is strictly by invitation and includes party elders, zonal leaders, and other non-NEC stakeholders.
Voices from Within
Several PDP chieftains, including Governors and former top leaders, weighed in:
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Peter Mbah (Enugu Governor): Supported the NEC meeting and warned the South East might reconsider its loyalty to PDP if their position on the National Secretary role is ignored.
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Olabode George (Former BoT Chair): Said he would attend the meeting regardless of its label, urging members to confront issues directly and honestly.
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Kola Ologbondiyan (Former Spokesperson): Reiterated the need to respect the NEC’s May 27 resolution and warned against undermining party unity.
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Senator Ibrahim Tsauri (Ex-National Secretary): Affirmed the NEC’s authority and called the expanded caucus proposal a workaround due to political tensions.
APC’s Reaction
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) mocked the PDP’s internal turmoil, describing it as proof the party is incapable of self-governance. APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim said the PDP’s crisis highlights its “weakness, distrust, and leadership failure,” asserting it can no longer be trusted with national leadership.
