PDP delegation meets INEC ahead of party’s NEC meeting

A delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently meeting with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The meeting is taking place at the headquarters of the electoral umpire in the Maitama area of the nation’s capital.

The sit-down follows the controversy surrounding the proposed national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP.

The delegation, led by Umar Damagum, acting national chairman of the PDP, includes four governors: Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

Other are Bukola Saraki, former senate president; Abba Moro, senator representing Benue south; Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa west senator.

They were received by Mahmood Yakubu, INEC national chairman, alongside other senior officials of the electoral body.

Yakubu told the PDP delegation that INEC is committed to its statutory responsibilities of ensuring that the “rules are followed”.

BACKGROUND

In May, the PDP wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold the NEC meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja on June 30.

The notice, signed solely by Damagum, was in accordance with INEC’s 21-day notification requirement for political meetings of such magnitude.

However, in a letter dated June 13 and addressed to the party’s chairman, INEC said the notice of the meeting failed to comply with its regulations.

The commission said the notice of the proposed NEC meeting ought to have been jointly signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary.

There has been a tussle within the PDP over the position of national secretary, with Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye laying claim to the title.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Debo Ologunagba said the party would go ahead with the NEC meeting, noting that INEC’s approval is not required for the PDP to hold the gathering.

About 24 hours later, Damagum countered Ologunagba, saying he was not authorised to speak on the issue.

The PDP acting chairman said the party’s spokesperson made the statement “prematurely and without due consultation”.

Damagum said Ologunagba has previously acted “unilaterally, disregarding the collective decision-making structures” of the party.