Tensions have escalated within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the fate of its much-anticipated 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, with rival factions of the National Working Committee (NWC) issuing conflicting directives.
The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, through his camp, claimed the NEC meeting had been postponed, contrary to the position of Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, who insisted the meeting would proceed as scheduled.
Arapaja, speaking at a Sunday press conference attended by eight members of the NWC, asserted that the NEC meeting would take place on Monday, June 30, at 2 p.m., immediately after an expanded caucus meeting called by Damagum’s camp, scheduled for 1 p.m. Both meetings are set for the same venue, raising the potential for procedural confusion or confrontation.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the NEC meeting, Arapaja said, “According to Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 amendment), the June 30 meeting date is binding on all party organs and members.” He emphasized that the NEC meeting was unanimously agreed upon during the party’s 99th session held on May 27 and that no faction or officer had the authority to unilaterally alter its schedule.
Addressing what he called a fake notice circulating online, Arapaja dismissed claims that the NEC meeting had been rebranded as a “Special Expanded National Caucus” gathering. He stated categorically that the PDP constitution makes no provision for such a body, adding, “The NWC clarified that the notice was fake, did not come from the PDP, and should be completely ignored by members.”
“The so-called expanded caucus has no constitutional backing,” Arapaja said. “Section 30 of our constitution clearly defines the national caucus—its composition, functions, and meeting procedures. There is no room for expansion or for any group to usurp NEC’s authority.” He reiterated the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law.
Those present alongside Arapaja included acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Auditor Okechukwu Daniel, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. Other NWC members present were Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, Woman Leader Amina Darasimi Bryhm, and regional vice chairpersons from the South East, South West, and South South.
Meanwhile, the Damagum-aligned faction, represented by reinstated PDP Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, released a separate notice inviting selected stakeholders to an “Expanded Caucus” meeting on Monday at 2 p.m. Attendees were to include national caucus members, deputy national officers, state chairpersons, lawmakers, and loyal ex-governors and former candidates. Anyanwu made it clear that participation in the meeting would be by invitation only.
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