The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted it will hold its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30 despite resistance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NaijNaira can report.
The PDP’s firm decision was confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, according to The Guardian.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, strongly criticised INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, for attempting to obstruct the meeting.
“INEC cannot cancel our meetings. It is the party’s prerogative to decide such matters. INEC has no authority to do so. We are planning to hold our meeting as scheduled, if anything changes we will brief you,” Ologunagba said.
He made it clear that INEC’s authority does not cover internal party activities.
Ologunagba emphasized, “INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC. These are internal party matters, as clearly established by the Supreme Court in numerous rulings.”
The PDP is currently facing internal rifts over the position of national secretary, which had previously delayed NEC meetings.
While INEC reportedly recognizes Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP has appointed Setonji Koshoedo as acting secretary.
Ologunagba questioned INEC’s intentions, saying, “Why the desperation to kill political parties? All they want is a one-party state, to stifle opposition. Which is just, like I have said earlier here, it’s wishful thinking, it’s a hallucination.”
He added, “If we designate somebody to be the person to sign the letter, so be it. And that’s why it’s an internal affair of the party.”
The PDP remains set to proceed with the June 30 NEC meeting to address key plans for its upcoming national activities.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
