The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed the autonomy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in managing its internal affairs, urging the party’s leadership to embark on broad consultations to nominate a consensus candidate for the position of National Secretary.
This development emerged from a high-level stakeholders’ meeting between the PDP and INEC officials, held earlier today at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was attended by PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, and other prominent party stakeholders.
Sources at the INEC headquarters confirmed that the discussions were centered on enhancing internal democracy, reinforcing the party’s organisational structure, and ensuring compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
During the meeting, INEC clarified its position as a neutral electoral umpire and emphasized that the PDP, as a registered political party, retains full control over its leadership selection processes. The commission advised the party to consult widely among its members and relevant stakeholders to reach an agreement on who should occupy the office of National Secretary.
INEC’s representatives reiterated that its responsibility is to ensure that all registered political parties operate within their constitutions and uphold democratic values. In that light, the commission encouraged the PDP to approach the selection of its National Secretary with transparency and inclusiveness.
The guidance provided by INEC aligns with ongoing efforts within the PDP to maintain party cohesion and uphold internal governance procedures, particularly as the party prepares for future electoral contests. Party insiders say consultations among regional blocs and interest groups are already underway to achieve consensus and avert internal conflicts.
The meeting, which was described as constructive and forward-looking, also provided both institutions an opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to democratic principles and electoral integrity.
