PDP Governors Meet INEC Today Over Bitter Power Struggle For National Secretary Role
Published Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a boiling point as the party’s governors are set to meet with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today, June 24, amid a fierce power struggle and mounting legal complications.
The high-stakes meeting, scheduled for 2:00 pm at INEC’s Conference Hall in Abuja, is expected to focus heavily on the disputed National Secretary position and the controversy threatening to derail the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
⚠️ Power Play: Udeh-Okoye vs. Anyanwu
At the heart of the storm is the ongoing tussle between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, both claiming legitimacy as PDP’s National Secretary. Sources within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) reveal that the stalemate has paralyzed key party operations and delayed crucial decisions, including the NEC’s long-awaited milestone session.
Senator Anyanwu, reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has been in a prolonged feud with Udeh-Okoye’s camp. In an attempt to neutralize the crisis, the party had appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding committee chaired by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas later found that INEC still officially recognizes Anyanwu as the substantive secretary.
📝 INEC Rejects PDP’s NEC Notification
Adding to the confusion, INEC recently rejected a letter notifying it of the PDP’s planned 100th NEC meeting on June 30. The electoral body said the notice—signed only by Acting Chairman Umar Damagum—did not meet legal requirements, which stipulate it must be jointly signed by both the national chairman and national secretary.
INEC responded by rescheduling a meeting with the party, shifting it from the originally requested date to today, in a letter dated June 18 and signed by INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halliru Aminu.
📢 PDP Publicity Secretary Fires Back
In a press briefing on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticised INEC’s involvement, calling it an overreach.
“INEC has no constitutional role in the regular meetings of our NWC or NEC. This is purely an internal party affair,” Ologunagba said, defending the party’s autonomy.
🚨 Why This Meeting Matters
Today’s meeting could prove pivotal for the survival and future of Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections. With leadership fractures, legal entanglements, and electoral body resistance, the PDP is fighting on multiple fronts to maintain stability.
Whether this dialogue with INEC will resolve the chaos or deepen divisions remains to be seen—but all eyes are on Abuja this afternoon.
