The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly asserted its intention to proceed with its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025, despite significant objections raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphatically stated that INEC lacks the legal authority to interfere in the internal, statutory meetings of political parties.

INEC had communicated its disapproval in a letter dated June 13, 2025, rejecting the PDP's notice for the NEC meeting. The electoral body cited Part 2(12)3 of its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, which stipulates that "the national chairman and national secretary of the party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission." The PDP's notice, sent on May 30, was signed solely by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. A peculiar aspect highlighted by Ologunagba was that while INEC's letter was dated June 13, it was only delivered to the PDP on June 19, after it had already circulated widely on social media, raising questions about INEC's motives.

Ologunagba vehemently pushed back against INEC's stance, clarifying that the commission's role, as defined by Nigerian law and the PDP constitution, is limited to receiving notifications for conventions, congresses, or primaries where party officers are to be elected, candidates nominated, or mergers are taking place. He stressed that the upcoming NEC meeting is a routine parley of a party organ and is not intended for electing officers, conducting primaries, or discussing mergers, thus not requiring INEC's oversight or specific signatory requirements. He accused INEC's Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, who signed the contentious letter, of unilaterally assigning a purpose to the PDP's meeting and attempting to assist the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its alleged quest to establish a one-party state.

Furthermore, Ologunagba reiterated that the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that courts do not have jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties, questioning why INEC would assume such authority. He asserted that if the party designates someone to sign a letter, it remains an internal affair. The PDP spokesman warned against what he perceived as a "desperation to kill political parties" and stifle opposition, labeling the idea of a one-party state as "wishful thinking" and "hallucination." He emphasized that this approach would neither succeed nor work in Nigeria.

The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, particularly the dispute over the national secretary position between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu (backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike), has previously delayed NEC meetings and fueled internal tensions. While the PDP appointed Setonji Koshoedo as acting national secretary to navigate this deadlock, a fact-finding committee noted that INEC still recognizes Anyanwu as the substantive national secretary. The 100th NEC meeting is set to review reports from the zoning and convention committees and assess preparations for the party’s national convention.

Beyond the immediate dispute with INEC, Ologunagba also commented on the broader political landscape, dismissing recent defections to the APC as a sign of victory for the ruling party. He passionately argued that the Nigerian people are not defecting because they "cannot defect to hunger," "insecurity," or "life-discounting experiences." Citing the purchase of a N360 billion aircraft while citizens struggle to afford education and healthcare, he predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would serve only one term, stating that the current hardships and growing disunity are "recipes for one term." He concluded by underscoring the PDP's resilience against internal and external pressures, affirming that the party would continue to grow "from strength to strength."