The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following an earlier police presence that temporarily restricted access to the venue.
Despite the tension caused by the security deployment, the meeting proceeded with key party stakeholders in attendance, including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Assembly members, PDP governors, and other NEC members. The gathering followed a prior meeting of PDP governors held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
In his opening address, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, clarified that the NEC meeting was convened based on consultations with party governors. He emphasized that the meeting was limited to a single agenda item: determining a future date for a full NEC meeting to address pressing party matters, including preparations for the PDP National Convention.
Damagum also cautioned party members against engaging in acts that could undermine or “demarket” the party, urging unity and restraint.
At the conclusion of the session, the NEC agreed to reconvene on July 23, 2025, to discuss broader issues affecting the party and finalize decisions on the upcoming convention. The meeting also resolved that Samuel Anyanwu would continue to serve as the PDP’s National Secretary, amid ongoing disputes surrounding the role.
Prior to the NEC meeting, the PDP’s BoT had to relocate its scheduled session from Wadata Plaza to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District due to security concerns. This decision was announced via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The heavy police presence at Wadata Plaza sparked criticism from several party officials and BoT members, who viewed it as intimidation. Prominent members like Maina Chiroma and Bode George were reportedly denied access to the premises. A former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, revealed that police personnel claimed to be acting on an unspecified “order from above.”
However, the FCT Police Command refuted claims that it had sealed off the secretariat. In a statement, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh explained that officers were deployed solely to maintain peace and prevent disruptions, denying that the premises were ever officially closed.
Speaking to the press, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, defended the police presence. He said it was a necessary precaution to prevent miscreants from hijacking the meeting and disrupting proceedings.
The NEC meeting comes amid deepening internal crises within the PDP, particularly surrounding its national leadership and the contested position of National Secretary. While Damagum recently announced the reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu, the National Working Committee (NWC) opposed this move, favoring Sunday Ude-Okoye and insisting that only the NEC has the authority to make such decisions.
These leadership disputes have led to multiple court cases. Although the Supreme Court delivered a judgment on the matter in March, both factions interpret the ruling in ways that support their respective claims. Another legal hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The situation reflects the PDP’s ongoing struggle for internal stability as it prepares for future political battles and seeks to reassert its position as a dominant opposition force.
