The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that no external body, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), can interfere with its internal affairs, as it prepares to hold its highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Sunday, June 30, 2025.
The declaration comes amid reports that some factions within and outside the party have raised legal and procedural concerns about the planned NEC meeting, prompting speculation that INEC might intervene to halt it.
In a statement released by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasized that its constitutionally empowered leadership remains firmly in charge and that all arrangements for the June 30 meeting are in place.
“The PDP is a democratic institution governed by its constitution. The NEC meeting is an internal affair of the party, and no external body, including INEC, has the legal standing to dictate when or how it is held,” Ologunagba stated.
He added that the NEC meeting will deliberate on key issues including the party’s internal restructuring, upcoming off-cycle elections, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting is expected to be a turning point for the party following months of internal wrangling, leadership tussles, and realignment of political forces.
Sources within the party told Daily Insight that the NEC may also decide on new strategies to counter what it sees as “anti-democratic actions” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and strengthen unity among its state chapters.
Some political analysts have described the June 30 NEC meeting as “make or break” for the opposition party, which is still reeling from its defeat in the 2023 presidential elections and the recent defection of some key members.
However, the PDP leadership insists it is moving forward with confidence.
“We urge our members across the country to remain united and ignore distractions. The NEC will go on as planned and decisions made will shape the future of the PDP,” the statement added.
INEC is yet to officially respond to the PDP’s position, but legal experts say unless the party violates electoral laws, INEC has no constitutional power to halt a party’s internal meetings.
As June 30 approaches, all eyes will be on Abuja to see how the PDP navigates the latest test of its cohesion and relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
