The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s unsolicited interference in its internal affairs.
They insisted that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to regulate meetings such as the National Executive Committee (NEC) sessions, unless such meetings involve the election of party officers or candidates.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated this on Sunday while addressing newsmen on key developments ahead of its 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.
According to Ologunagba, the PDP duly notified the INEC of the upcoming NEC meeting in line with established practice, even though such meetings fall outside the categories of political events that legally require the INEC’s involvement.
“INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC. These are internal party matters, as clearly established by the Supreme Court in numerous rulings,” Ologunagba stated.
He explained that under Nigeria’s laws and the PDP constitution, INEC is only required to be notified of conventions, congresses, or primaries involving the election of party officers or candidates.
“We did not state that the meeting was for electing officers, conducting primaries, or nominating candidates for elective positions. Yet, the Acting Secretary of INEC, Halilu Aminu, decided to unilaterally assign a purpose to our meeting,” he said.
Ologunagba added that the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting will review progress on preparations for its forthcoming national convention, including updates from the Zoning and Convention Committees constituted at the 99th NEC meeting.
“At the 99th NEC meeting, it was unanimously agreed to schedule the next meeting for the 30th of June. The constitution of the Zoning Committee and the Convention Committee was approved. Consultations with various organs of the party and stakeholders are ongoing,” he said.