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As the People’s Democratic Party faces internal conflicts, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has confirmed that the party's 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is set to take place on Monday, June 30, as previously arranged.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday night at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Arapaja rejected a proposed "Expanded National Caucus" meeting, emphasizing that the party's constitution does not accommodate such a provision.
Accompanied by other National Working Committee (NWC) members, including National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Arapaja insisted that the NEC meeting scheduled by the 99th NEC on May 27 is legitimate and enforceable.
He was also joined by South East Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, National Woman Leader Amina Darasimi, National Auditor Okechukwu Obiechin, National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, and National Vice Chairman (South West) Ajisafe Toyese.
He stated, "We have called you to update all PDP members and the general public on the party's activities, particularly regarding the 100th NEC meeting set for tomorrow, Monday, June 30, 2025, and the National Convention scheduled from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30, 2025. For clarity, the NWC assures all party members that the 100th NEC meeting will occur as planned tomorrow, June 30, 2025, at the NEC Hall of the Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja."
He further mentioned that the meeting would receive reports from the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Organizing Committee. “As you know, the 100th meeting was unanimously scheduled by the NEC at its 99th meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
According to Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the June 30, 2025 date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all organs and members; thus, no organ, group, or officer of the party can alter, modify, veto, or change the already convened NEC meeting," he said.
"A purported Notice circulating on social media claiming that the 100th NEC meeting has been turned into a Special Expanded National Caucus meeting is incorrect and did not originate from the PDP and should be ignored."
Arapaja reiterated that the PDP constitution and party guidelines do not include any provision for an Expanded National Caucus.
He added, “To be clear, Section 30 of the PDP Constitution explicitly outlines a National Caucus for the party, detailing its composition, functions, and meetings with no options for expansion.
The notion or announcement of a ‘Special Expanded National Caucus meeting’ is, therefore, unconstitutional and cannot make decisions for the PDP, as it is not a recognized body or organization within the PDP."
"The PDP is a political party founded on the principles of strict adherence to the Rule of Law, following the due process of our party's constitution, and valuing internal democracy, which must be upheld at all times."
The NWC appreciates the support and solidarity from PDP members and assures that both the 100th NEC meeting and the National Convention will proceed as scheduled by the NEC.
The PDP has been experiencing division regarding the status of its National Secretary and the upcoming NEC meeting. A faction aligned with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum—comprising former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Adamu Fintiri—supports the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the deferral of the NEC meeting.
Last Tuesday, Damagum announced Anyanwu's reinstatement and declared the NEC meeting delayed, replacing it with an expanded caucus session following a meeting with INEC, which acknowledged Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Conversely, another faction, including Governor Seyi Makinde and 11 NWC members, has opposed Anyanwu's reinstatement, insisting that the NEC must go ahead as planned.
They argue that there was no NEC approval for Anyanwu’s reinstatement and characterized Damagum’s announcement as misleading.
INEC refused to recognize the NEC notification as it lacked joint signatures from both the National Chairman and Secretary, urging the party to adhere to due process. Meanwhile, six deputy national officers have endorsed Anyanwu's return and supported the June 30 expanded caucus meeting.
