Who Is Your Secretary, INEC Quarries PDP Over Leadership Confusion
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday confronted the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a pressing question: Who is your National Secretary? a reflection of the deepening internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
This inquiry came during a high-level troubleshooting meeting between INEC officials and a delegation from the PDP, led by its Governors’ Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC).
The closed-door meeting, held in Abuja, was convened to address lingering party leadership disputes that could affect INEC’s interactions with the PDP ahead of forthcoming elections.
In attendance were key political figures including Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). They were joined by notable PDP stalwarts such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, and Senator Ben Obi.
Sources privy to the meeting revealed that INEC raised concerns over conflicting correspondence from different individuals laying claim to the office of National Secretary, a crucial position responsible for interfacing with the Commission on electoral matters.
INEC reportedly asked the PDP to resolve the ambiguity internally and present a clear, unified position on who occupies the role or risk having its official communications with the Commission disregarded.
The party has been embroiled in a leadership tussle since the removal of former National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who insists he still holds the office despite contesting for governor in Imo State.
The PDP NWC had earlier nominated a replacement, but factions within the party have challenged the legality and constitutionality of that move.
Speaking after the meeting, a source within the PDP said the issue was being handled with urgency.
“INEC has expressed its concern, and rightly so. The party is working to present a definitive position in line with its constitution,” the source noted.
The internal crisis poses a fresh threat to the PDP’s electoral preparations, as clarity in party structure is a prerequisite for valid nomination of candidates, submission of forms, and recognition in electoral matters.
Observers warn that failure to resolve the matter swiftly may weaken the PDP’s credibility and operational capacity as Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle.
