The scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is generating mixed reactions as different organs of the party issue varying statements regarding its status.
The National Working Committee of the Party held its 601st NWC Meeting on Sunday evening in the NWC Hall of the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
In attendance were 9 out of 16 current members of the NWC, and this included the Acting National Chairman/CEO and the National Secretary/Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer, respectively.
In a press statement signed by the Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum said, “The 100th NEC was still postponed for statutory reasons and not an affront to the 99th NEC decision. The National Caucus (Expanded) still holds on 30th June, 2025, for an explanation/review of issues to party members.”
Key Decisions
Damagum lists key decisions of the NEC Meeting to include
1. That is in line with the Party Leadership’s consideration of the INEC advice; Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary in the overall interest of the Party
2. To hold a National Caucus Meeting with due (statutory) notice issued by the National Secretary
3. The National Caucus Meeting is scheduled for Monday, 30th of June, 2025, in the NEC Hall by 2 pm with broader (expanded) stakeholders in participation.
Constitutional provision
The statement reminds members of the provision of the PDP Constitution on some powers conferred on the National Chairman to summon an NEC meeting, among other responsibilities: “Summon” and “Preside” over all the Organs Meetings – see the PDP Constitution (2017 As Amended) – 35(1)(a); (c) “Provide firm and effective leadership and direct activities of the Party under the overall supervision of NEC.”
Role of National Secretary
He added that in the instance of the National Chairman summoning meetings, the National Secretary under his powers and functions is “…caused to be issued notices of all the Organs Meetings.” Referring to section 36(1)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2017 As Amended).
Way Forward
On the Way Forward, the Acting PDP National Chairman stated that the leadership of the party recognises all shades of opinion and emotions and “are making a clarion call to all stakeholders to allow the PDP to survive, stabilise, rescue and rebuild Nigeria for our general good. This should be our collective priority now, please!”
“We look forward to welcoming all guests/participants to the Expanded National Caucus Meeting tomorrow, and I wish you all safe travels and fruitful deliberations in advance.”
Damagum called on members and supporters of the PDP to ignore news making the rounds in some sections of the media contrary to this press statement.
Confidence Okwuchi