The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a significant leadership crisis, prominently highlighted by a dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding its upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. INEC had rejected the PDP's notice for the meeting, initially scheduled for June 30, citing non-compliance with its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. Specifically, the commission stated that the notice, signed solely by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, lacked the mandatory co-signature of the National Secretary, as required by Part 2(12)3 of its guidelines.

This signing anomaly stems directly from an unresolved internal tussle within the PDP for the position of National Secretary. Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye are both laying claim to the seat, a contention that has persisted since the 2023 general elections. Anyanwu, who left the role to contest the Imo State governorship election, attempted to return, while the Southeast Caucus of the party nominated Ude-Okoye in his absence, contributing to the current leadership void and complications.

Adding to the party's woes, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba held a press conference on Sunday, publicly declaring that the party would proceed with the NEC meeting regardless of INEC's approval and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating INEC. However, this statement quickly drew a strong rebuke from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. In a letter issued on Monday, June 23, 2025, Damagum unequivocally distanced the party's National Working Committee (NWC) from Ologunagba’s comments, stating they were made “without the authority or approval” of the NWC.

Damagum criticized Ologunagba for making such sensitive remarks prematurely and without due consultation, especially given that a crucial meeting was already scheduled. He highlighted that a meeting between PDP leaders, including himself, and the INEC Chairman was set for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the INEC Conference Hall in Abuja, specifically to address the concerns raised by the commission. This meeting aims to resolve the dispute surrounding the NEC meeting notice.

The Acting Chairman further expressed his disappointment, stating it was