By Joy Odor
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday received a high-powered delegation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at its headquarters in Abuja on June 24, 2025.
The delegation, led by PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, met with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to discuss issues surrounding the party’s National Secretary.
We’re here today to have an honest and off-camera interaction with you,” he said. “Our NEC made a decision mandating me to sign the letter to INEC to avoid further controversy. We received your response urging compliance with established procedures. This engagement will help guide our position as we move forward.”
The PDP delegation sought clarity on the current position of the party regarding the National Secretary, following a Supreme Court judgment in which INEC was a party.
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to constructive dialogue with political parties in line with its role as both registrar and regulator of party affairs in Nigeria.
The meeting focused on the conflicting claims regarding the identity of the PDP’s National Secretary, which has complicated procedural compliance.
INEC guidelines require party communications to be signed jointly by the Chairman and Secretary, but the Commission has received letters with different signatures or no signature from the Secretary.
Despite the inconsistencies, Prof. Yakubu commended the PDP for its historical compliance, noting that the party has followed proper procedures in 99 previous NEC meetings.
The closed-door session aimed to facilitate open and productive dialogue between the PDP and INEC to guide the party’s position moving forward.
