By Ghazali Ibrahim
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, that the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting has been cancelled and that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been reinstated as the party’s National Secretary.
Earlier today, it was reported that the sacked party’s secretary has been reinstated and the NEC meeting has been cancelled.
However, in a press statement dated Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and signed by key members of the NWC, the party declared that the 100th NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, remains valid and binding, in accordance with the resolution reached at the 99th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation,” the statement read.
“No organ of the Party, including the NWC, individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee under the Constitution of the PDP.”
The NWC further stated that Damagum’s comment on Senator Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary was “misleading,” as the 99th NEC had resolved to defer all decisions concerning the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.
Citing Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the NWC emphasized that the NEC is the party’s highest decision-making body, second only to the National Convention, and its resolutions are binding on all officers and structures of the party.
Signatories to the statement include PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Acting National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo; National Treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed; and National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, among others.
This internal rift further deepens the leadership crisis within the PDP, just as the party prepares for its crucial 100th NEC meeting.
The outcome of that meeting is expected to shape the future direction of Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
