INEC Rejects PDP’s National Executive Committee Meeting Notice Over Procedural Violations

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a notice submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, citing non-compliance with electoral guidelines. The decision, announced on Monday, has deepened the PDP’s internal crisis and raised questions about the party’s preparedness for upcoming elections.

INEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Hajia Zainab Musa, stated that the PDP failed to provide the required 21-day notice and omitted key details, such as the meeting’s agenda and venue, as mandated by the Electoral Act 2022. The NEC meeting, planned for June 20 in Abuja, was intended to address leadership disputes and strategize for the 2027 general elections. “The commission is committed to upholding transparency. All parties must adhere to due process,” Musa said.

The rejection follows months of infighting within the PDP, particularly between factions loyal to acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and supporters of suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. Sources within the party say the meeting was called to resolve the leadership tussle and ratify new appointments. However, INEC’s decision has emboldened critics of Damagum, who accuse him of bypassing party protocols. “This is a wake-up call for the PDP to get its house in order,” said political analyst Dr. Aisha Bello.

PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the rejection as a “minor setback,” vowing to resubmit the notice. However, the delay could disrupt the party’s timeline for state congresses. The All Progressives Congress (APC) seized on the issue, with its publicity secretary, Bala Ibrahim, mocking the PDP’s “disarray.”