PDP Rejects INEC’s Unwarranted Interference in NEC Meeting, Cites Constitutional Overreach

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rejected what it described as “unwarranted interference” by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its internal affairs, insisting that the electoral body lacks the constitutional authority to regulate its National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings—except in instances involving the election of party officers or candidates.

The party’s position was made clear during a press briefing held on Sunday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, where its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, addressed journalists on developments ahead of its 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.

Ologunagba clarified that while the party had duly notified INEC of the meeting in accordance with tradition, such notification was merely a courtesy and not a legal requirement since the meeting does not involve any elective process.

“INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the National Working Committee (NWC) or NEC. These are strictly internal party matters, a position affirmed by multiple rulings of the Supreme Court,” Ologunagba stated.

He further explained that under both Nigerian law and the PDP Constitution, INEC’s statutory involvement is limited to conventions, congresses, and primaries where officers or candidates are elected.

“We did not state that the meeting was for electing officers, conducting primaries, or nominating candidates. Yet, the Acting Secretary of INEC, Halilu Aminu, has attempted to assign an arbitrary purpose to our meeting,” he said.

According to Ologunagba, the upcoming NEC session will focus on reviewing preparations for the party’s forthcoming national convention, including progress reports from the Zoning and Convention Committees constituted during the 99th NEC meeting.

“At the 99th NEC meeting, it was unanimously resolved that the 100th NEC meeting would hold on June 30. The Zoning and Convention Committees were approved, and consultations with various organs of the party are ongoing,” he said.

Ologunagba also addressed concerns raised by INEC in a letter dated June 13, in which the commission questioned the validity of the PDP’s notification on grounds that it was not jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

“Who signs a letter is an internal matter for the party. INEC has no legal right to dictate our administrative processes. The letter was signed by our Acting Secretary, and it was acknowledged by INEC on May 13,” he stated.

He accused INEC of attempting to sabotage the party’s internal processes under the guise of regulatory oversight, warning that such actions could signal a drift toward authoritarianism.

“Why this desperation to undermine political parties? This push toward a one-party state is a dangerous illusion. The APC should realise this is a delusion,” he said.

Ologunagba also raised questions about the conduct of INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, and called on the commission to investigate his actions.

“The real question is: Who is the Acting Secretary working for? What is his agenda? Why is he interfering in a routine PDP NEC meeting?” he queried.

He dismissed reports circulating on social media that INEC had cancelled the PDP NEC meeting as “false and laughable,” reiterating that only the party has the authority to determine its internal schedule.

On internal matters, the PDP spokesman confirmed that unresolved issues, including the South East Zonal Executive and the office of the National Secretary, would be addressed at the upcoming NEC meeting.