Top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by acting national chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, visited the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday. Their mission was to resolve the confusion over who currently holds the position of the party’s national secretary.
The PDP delegation included influential party figures such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Also present were former Governors Ahmed Makarfi and Seriake Dickson, as well as Senator Ben Obi and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting with INEC officials, Damagum said the visit followed a letter from the commission. The letter raised the inconsistencies in how the party handled communication regarding its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
He explained that a recent Supreme Court judgment made it necessary to clear up the confusion about the rightful national secretary. According to Damagum, the party wanted to ensure that its official records match what is recognised legally and constitutionally.
INEC Seeks Clarification Amid Conflicting Party Communications
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu welcomed the PDP delegation and confirmed that the meeting was requested by the party. He said the commission wants clarity on leadership matters, especially concerning the role of the national secretary.
Yakubu explained that for the last 99 NEC meetings, letters sent to INEC were signed by both the PDP national chairman and national secretary. This time, however, only the chairman’s signature appeared on the invitation to the 100th NEC meeting. That difference prompted the commission to seek clarification.
“Sometimes ago, the commission received a letter from the party stating that one Ude Okoye is the national secretary,” he said. “After that, we received another letter that said it was Senator Anyanwu. The party changed its mind and said it was one Shokoya. Again, the party changed its mind and said it is Senator Anyanwu.”
Yakubu reminded the PDP leaders that INEC has a responsibility to regulate political parties and ensure order in their internal structures.
“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,” he added.
The meeting ended with an agreement to continue discussions in a closed-door session.
Both sides said they were hopeful that the issue would be resolved quickly in the interest of the party and the democratic order.
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