THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today, June 30, 2025, at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following an earlier blockade of the venue by security operatives.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), PDP governors, National Assembly members, and other NEC members.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, in his opening remarks, clarified that the primary agenda of the meeting was to determine a date for a full NEC session focused on convention-related matters.
He also requested party members to refrain from actions that could damage the party’s image.
At the end of deliberations, July 23 was selected for the next NEC meeting, where broader party issues and the national convention will be discussed.
The committee also reaffirmed Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
The NEC meeting followed a closed-door session by PDP governors at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Attendees included Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa), alongside former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Addressing reporters, Governor Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the earlier police presence at the secretariat was intended to prevent disruption by “miscreants.”
Despite this, PDP officials condemned the police deployment, describing it as an act of harassment.
Notably, BoT members such as Bode George and Maina Chiroma were reportedly denied entry into the secretariat.
Due to security concerns, the party had relocated its BoT meeting from Wadata Plaza to the Yar’Adua Centre earlier in the day.
Former PDP National Secretary Umar Tsauri stated that the police cited an “order from above” as the basis for their action.
However, the FCT Police Command denied sealing the premises.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh stated that officers were merely present to ensure peace and order, adding that the secretariat was never officially closed off.
The events unfolded amid growing internal tensions within the PDP, particularly concerning the leadership tussle over the position of National Secretary, which is contested by Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
Although Damagum had reinstated Anyanwu, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) opposed the move, citing ongoing legal disputes and a Supreme Court judgment issued in March, which both factions interpret in their favor.
A new court hearing on the matter is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Despite the setbacks, PDP’s leadership has committed to moving forward with plans for its national convention and resolving internal conflicts through dialogue and due process.