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The internal crisis plaguing Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains unresolved as the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC)—its highest decision-making organ—failed to address core grievances during its 99th meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27.
Despite high expectations for resolution, the meeting ended without a conclusive settlement of major issues, particularly concerning leadership disputes and internal procedural conflicts. As a result, the NEC adjourned its deliberations and rescheduled another meeting for Sunday, June 30, 2025.
The meeting, held at the Legacy House in Abuja, was marred by internal wranglings, particularly over the role and authority of the National Secretary. The dispute centered on the conflicting directives issued by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary, and Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary who has been acting in that capacity.
The clash over procedure, rooted in differing interpretations of the PDP Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act, created administrative bottlenecks and contributed to the NEC’s inability to make substantive progress on critical issues.
Despite the tensions, the meeting recorded the attendance of several top party stakeholders, including: Members of the National Working Committee (NWC), PDP Governors of Bauchi, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Oyo, Osun, Zamfara, and Bayelsa States, Members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), State Chairmen of the party, PDP members in the National Assembly
However, some key figures were noticeably absent, including: Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Nyesom Wike, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State
The repeated postponement of the NEC meeting—five times prior—combined with Monday’s adjournment of the National Caucus meeting, deepened uncertainty. However, the NEC was ultimately held as scheduled on Tuesday.
Presenting the communiqué after a two-hour session, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliyasu Damagum, announced that the NEC had:
Ratified the composition of the National Convention Committee
Approved the conduct of the party’s National Convention from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30, 2025
In preparation for the Convention, NEC also approved two strategic committees:
Zoning Committee for National Offices
Chairman: Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa)
Vice Chairman: Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
Secretary: Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
National Convention Organizing Committee
Chairman: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa)
Vice Chairman: Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun)
Secretary: Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu)
These appointments are expected to play a key role in guiding the party through a seamless and inclusive convention process.
The unresolved issue surrounding the National Secretary position was also acknowledged. Damagum disclosed that the NEC had received the resolution of the South East Zonal Executive, which was presented for consideration. However, a decision on the matter was deferred until the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30.
In an effort to downplay the party’s internal crisis, Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s resilience and commitment to national leadership, saying:
“PDP remains strong, resilient, united and determined—now more than ever—to lead the charge to rescue our nation from the vicious grip of the APC.”
His message was echoed by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. Speaking on behalf of PDP governors, he addressed the recent wave of defections and external pressures faced by party leaders.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that PDP governors remain steadfast in their loyalty, stating: “Our members (Governors) are standing strong and resolute. There is no intimidation that we are not going through. There is no caressing or cajoling that members and elected governors are not facing. But we are resolute. We will not abandon the mandate.”
He acknowledged the recent defections but expressed confidence in the party’s ability to bounce back: “Yes, we wish well for those who have left. But this is not the first time people left PDP and came back. I’m sure they will return.”
“The Governors are united. We are ready to work. No amount of intimidation or exclusion by the federal government will make us give in. And we are ready to tolerate all the abuses and challenges that may come our way.”
As the PDP grapples with internal disputes and prepares for its forthcoming National Convention in August, all eyes are on the June 30 NEC meeting, which could prove pivotal in resolving lingering leadership crises and repositioning the party for future electoral battles.
While unity and resilience are being preached at the top, the effectiveness of these declarations will be tested in the weeks ahead, particularly amid rising political competition and the ongoing challenge of maintaining party cohesion.