Title: NEC Crisis: Makinde Bloc Revolts as INEC Verdict Tears PDP Apart Date Published: 26 June 2025 Description: NEC Crisis: Makinde Bloc Revolts as INEC Verdict Tears PDP ApartThe crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Wednesday as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike clashed over the scheduled date for the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.Makinde’s camp—which includes Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), 11 NWC members, and several party chieftains—insists the NEC meeting must hold on June 30 as planned. They are also opposed to Anyanwu’s return.In contrast, Wike’s allies—including Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN)—support Anyanwu’s reinstatement and a postponement of the NEC meeting.This division emerged a day after Damagum led party officials to a fact-finding session with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.At a press conference, Damagum announced the reinstatement of Senator Anyanwu and the postponement of the 100th NEC meeting, citing the need to comply with INEC procedures. He stated that the meeting would be replaced with an expanded National Caucus meeting on June 30.However, 11 of the 19 NWC members rejected this move, reaffirming the June 30 date for the NEC and opposing Anyanwu’s reinstatement.PDP has faced persistent internal crises since losing power in 2015, including leadership disputes, defections, and congress issues. Although Setonji Koshoedo was appointed as acting National Secretary, INEC maintains Anyanwu is the officially recognized secretary.INEC rejected Damagum’s earlier letter for the NEC meeting due to lack of joint signatures from both the National Chairman and Secretary, per PDP rules.PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that INEC merely acknowledges party activity notices and doesn’t interfere in internal matters. Damagum countered, stating Ologunagba spoke without wide consultation.Flanked by Bala Mohammed, Bukola Saraki, and others, Damagum reaffirmed that the expanded National Caucus would decide on NEC matters and other critical issues.“Anyanwu will resume as the National Secretary. That’s the most important thing,” Damagum asserted. He emphasized that abiding by INEC’s advice was necessary due to the approaching FCT election, calling the decision “a bitter pill” to ensure the party’s survival.Umar Bature supported the move, stating it aligned with a Supreme Court judgment. Six deputy NWC officers also welcomed Anyanwu’s reinstatement, calling it a victory for lawfulness and party unity.In their joint statement, they urged all stakeholders to attend the June 30 caucus meeting:“PDP is our home; we owe it a duty to survive by always doing what is right.”Meanwhile, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, criticized Damagum’s directive reinstating Anyanwu, stating:“You can’t ask him to resume because of the illegalities you’re perpetrating.” Wike condemned the party’s consultation with INEC, describing it as “ignorant and shameful.”In a counter statement, 11 NWC members reaffirmed the June 30 NEC meeting and declared that no individual or group could override NEC decisions, citing Section 31(3) of the PDP constitution.“The NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention,” they emphasized.Signatories to the statement include Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, Sir Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Dr. Woyengikuro Daniel, High Chief Ali Odefa, Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi, Hon. Amina Bryhm, Sen. Bello Gwarzo, and Hon. Ajisafe Toyese.Party elder Chief Bode George dismissed claims that Anyanwu’s return signaled Wike’s dominance, stating:“Let us meet at the NEC. That is when you will know who is winning and who is losing.”He urged calm and dialogue:“We are begging all sides to give peace a chance. An individual cannot be bigger than this party.”Dr. Chidi Lloyd, a Wike ally, supported the NWC’s decision, stating:Anyanwu was never removed, so he could not have been reinstated.He called on party leaders to unite and prepare for the 2027 general elections. Attached Images: 229a8c9ba86fcf89885d2603b4dbc299c12ae9198453f55e9b883cfa853c841a.jpg Attached Video: None