The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected what it called unwarranted interference by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its internal affairs, insisting that the electoral body lacks the constitutional authority to regulate party meetings such as its National Executive Committee (NEC) sessions, except where elections of party officers or candidates are involved.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, clarified that INEC was duly notified of the PDP’s upcoming 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025. However, he stressed that such meetings do not fall within INEC’s regulatory purview.
“INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the National Working Committee or the NEC. These are purely internal party matters, as affirmed by several Supreme Court judgments,” Ologunagba stated.
He emphasized that the notification to INEC was a courtesy, not a legal requirement, as the meeting would not involve any elections or candidate nominations. He criticized INEC Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, for allegedly assigning an unauthorized purpose to the meeting.
Ologunagba explained that the June 30 NEC meeting will assess preparations for the party’s upcoming national convention and receive progress reports from the Zoning and Convention Committees, established during the 99th NEC meeting.
He added that the PDP had complied with the 21-day notification requirement by submitting its notice to INEC on May 13, which was acknowledged by the commission the same day. However, INEC responded a month later, claiming the notice was invalid because it lacked the signatures of the National Chairman and National Secretary.
Rejecting this stance, Ologunagba argued that INEC has no authority to determine who signs internal correspondence, especially since the party currently has acting officials in those roles.
“Who signs our letters is our internal decision. INEC cannot dictate that. The letter was signed by acting officers, which is valid within our party structure,” he said.
He further accused INEC of attempting to interfere in the PDP’s internal operations as part of a broader agenda to weaken opposition and push the country toward a one-party system.
“This attempt to control our internal processes is a dangerous trend. It raises serious questions about the neutrality of INEC’s Acting Secretary. Who is he working for?” Ologunagba queried.
He also dismissed rumours circulating on social media that INEC had cancelled the PDP’s NEC meeting, calling such claims “false and laughable.”
“INEC has no authority to cancel our meetings. That power rests solely with the party,” he affirmed.
On internal matters, Ologunagba noted that the NEC would address unresolved issues, including the South East Zonal Executive and the office of the National Secretary. He also reported steady progress in the party’s reconciliation efforts and legal cases concerning party properties.
“Our reconciliation process is ongoing. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we are steadily moving forward,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency, the PDP spokesman said the party would not be distracted by misinformation or external meddling.
“The APC is clearly uneasy. Every attempt to destabilize us only makes us stronger,” he concluded.
