A delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, on Tuesday visited the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the ongoing controversy over the rightful holder of the party’s national secretary position.

The delegation included prominent stakeholders such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); former Governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); and Senator Ben Obi, among others.

Addressing INEC officials during the meeting, Damagum said:
“The visit was prompted by a letter from the commission, which raised concerns about an inconsistency in the party’s communication regarding the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.”
He added:
“Following a recent Supreme Court judgment, it became imperative to clarify who the legally recognised national secretary of the party is.”

In response, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the meeting was convened at the request of the PDP and stressed the commission’s interest in resolving the issue.

“For 99 previous NEC meetings, the commission received letters signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary,” Yakubu stated. “However, this time, the letter bore only the chairman’s signature, prompting the need for clarification.”

He further explained the commission’s concerns over conflicting information received from the party:

“Sometimes ago, the commission received a letter from the party stating that one Ude Okoye is the national secretary. After that, we received another letter that said it was Senator Anyanwu. The party changed its mind and said it was one Shokoye. Again, the party changed its kind and said it is Senator Anyanwu.”

Yakubu concluded:
“We are the regulators of political parties, and when we go into the working session, I hope we will fully understand where you are coming from and what you expect from us as the registrar and regulators of political parties.”

The session continued behind closed doors.