ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s notice for its upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, citing non-compliance with electoral regulations.
The meeting, slated for June 30, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, was flagged by INEC due to the absence of joint signatures from both the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary—a requirement outlined in the 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties.
In a letter dated May 30, 2025, and signed solely by Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, the PDP had formally notified INEC of the meeting. The letter read, in part: “We write to formally inform and invite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)… scheduled to hold on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the National Secretariat of our Party, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.”
INEC’s response, dated June 13 and signed by Acting Secretary Haliru Aminu, pointed out the procedural flaw. “The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022… Be guided,” the letter stated.
The electoral body’s rejection of the notice has raised concerns about internal coordination within the PDP, particularly at a time when the party is expected to solidify its strategy for upcoming electoral cycles.
While the rejection does not invalidate the meeting itself, political analysts suggest it may give ammunition to the PDP’s critics, who could view it as a sign of disarray or disregard for due process.
A PDP insider, however, downplayed the development, telling Vanguard that the party met the legal requirement of notifying INEC within the stipulated timeframe. “INEC’s attendance is not mandatory. What matters is that they were duly informed,” the source said.
INEC has reiterated its role as a neutral arbiter and enforcer of electoral guidelines. The PDP has not yet issued a formal response or indicated whether it will reissue the notice with the appropriate endorsements.
As of press time, efforts to reach PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for comment were unsuccessful.
