PDP leaders, INEC in closed-door meeting

A delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, on Tuesday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve the lingering dispute over the rightful holder of the party’s national secretary position.

The delegation included prominent party stakeholders such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); former Governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); and Senator Ben Obi, among others.

Addressing INEC officials during the meeting, Damagum said the visit was prompted by a letter from the commission, which raised concerns about an inconsistency in the party’s communication regarding the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

He explained that following a recent Supreme Court judgment, it became imperative to clarify who the legally recognised national secretary of the party is.

Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu noted that the commission convened the meeting at the request of the PDP and emphasised the commission’s interest in ensuring clarity on party leadership positions, particularly given the anomaly in the latest NEC invitation.

“For 99 previous NEC meetings, the commission received letters signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary,” Yakubu stated. “However, this time, the letter bore only the chairman’s signature, prompting the need for clarification.”

“Sometimes ago, the commission received a letter from the party stating that one Ude Okoye is the national secretary. After that, we received another letter that said it was Senator Anyanwu. The party changed its mind and said it was one Shokoye. Again, the party changed its kind and said it is Senator Anyanwu

“We are the regulators of political parties, and when we go into the working session, I hope we will fully understand where you are coming from and what you expect from us as the registrar and regulators of political parties.”