PDP factional NWC tackles Damagum, says NEC meeting not cancelled, Anyanwu not reinstated

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee NWC led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has sharply disagreed with the acting National Chairman of the party, Amb Ilya Damagum, declaring that the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party slated for Monday 30th June this year has not been cancelled.

The factional NWC of the PDP equally said that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has not been reincarnated as the National Secretary of the PDP as announced by Damagum at a press conference on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by Arapaja and ten other officials of the party, the faction said that the pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation as no Organ of the Party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The statement reads, “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today (Wednesday, 25th June, 2025) wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, 30th June, 2025.

“The Acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the Party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to 100th NEC meeting.

“The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation as no Organ of the Party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making Organ of the Party, second only to the National Convention.

“By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday 30th June, 2025 is binding on all Organs, Officers, Chapters and members of the Party and no Organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.

“Furthermore, the claim by Amb. Damagum that Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the Party is therefore misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.

“In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, 30th June, 2025 has not been cancelled.

Aside Arapaja, others who signed the statements are; Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo – Acting National Secretary,

Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer, Sir. Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – National Auditor, Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary, Woyengikuro Daniel Ph.D – National Financial Secretary,

High Chief Ali Odefa – National Vice Chairman (South East), Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi- Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South), Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader, Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (South West).