In a bid to address mounting tensions between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), key figures from the opposition party held a closed-door meeting with top officials of the electoral body at its Abuja headquarters on Tuesday.
The engagement comes on the heels of INEC’s recent refusal to accept the PDP’s notification regarding its planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
INEC had earlier dismissed the PDP’s notice, citing non-compliance with established protocols and procedural requirements. The electoral body pointed to deficiencies in the communication, emphasizing that the notification fell short of the statutory guidelines governing such internal party activities.
A core issue flagged by INEC was the unresolved dispute over the position of the party’s national secretary, which the commission described as a significant contributor to the irregularities surrounding the notice.
During the meeting, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu directly addressed this concern, stating that the lingering leadership crisis over who rightly holds the position of PDP’s national secretary has created contradictions that the commission cannot overlook.
He maintained that such internal ambiguities within the party’s hierarchy must be resolved in order for the PDP to fulfill the necessary legal and procedural obligations expected by the electoral commission.
On the part of the PDP, the party was represented at the meeting by its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, accompanied by several prominent members including former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Also present were governors from Bauchi, Zamfara, Plateau, and Oyo states, all of whom have been closely involved in efforts to stabilize the party’s leadership structure and reassert its internal coherence ahead of future electoral contests.
Though no details of the outcomes of the private meeting have been made public, the engagement marks a significant step in what appears to be a broader attempt by the PDP to reconcile with INEC and reestablish procedural compliance within its ranks.
The party’s internal divisions, particularly over sensitive leadership positions, have persisted in recent months, affecting its organizational strength and its relationship with the electoral umpire.
The meeting, observers say, may open a path to renewed collaboration, but much will depend on how effectively the PDP can address its internal leadership impasse, especially with regard to formal recognition of its national officers.
Until clarity emerges, the commission is expected to maintain a cautious stance toward the party’s internal directives and public notifications.
What you should know
Umar Damagum currently serves as the acting National Chairman of the PDP following ongoing leadership disputes within the party. The conflict surrounding the position of the national secretary remains one of the major roadblocks in the party’s internal administration, drawing the attention of INEC and impacting the PDP’s ability to meet formal requirements.
