- PDP stakeholders warn against Anyanwu’s removal, demand respect for court rulings
- Tinubu pledges stronger electoral system, flags off INEC headquarters construction
- CUPP tackles Wike on rebuilding of INEC head office
The Independent National Electoral Commission has raised concerns over the notice submitted by the People’s Democratic Party regarding its planned 100th National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.
The development was conveyed in a letter dated June 13 and addressed to the party’s chairman, with reference number INEC/DEPM/PDP/286/iii/80 and titled “RE: NOTICE OF 100TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY.”
The commission stated that the submitted notice failed to comply with its regulations.
Specifically, INEC cited Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which requires that such notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
INEC, in the letter signed by acting Secretary, Mathru Aminu, advised the PDP to ensure proper compliance with its rules moving forward.
“The commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022 that provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission. Be guided,” the letter read.
The development came after the PDP, in a letter dated May 30, formally informed the electoral body of its intention to hold the landmark NEC meeting at its National Secretariat in Abuja.
The notice, signed solely by the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, was in accordance with INEC’s 21-day notification requirement for political meetings of such magnitude.
According to party insiders, the June 30 meeting is expected to address several longstanding internal issues, including the controversy surrounding the office of the National Secretary, ratification of recent zonal congresses, and review of key committee reports.
The PDP has been plagued by internal strife before and after the 2023 general elections. Disputes across zones, particularly in Rivers, the South-South, and South East regions, along with disagreements over leadership roles, have continued to deepen tensions within the party. The North Central zonal congress recently added to the party’s list of unresolved issues.
These challenges have led to repeated postponements of the NEC meeting six times in total stalling critical decisions and prompting defections of key figures such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Party stakeholders demand respect for court rulings on national secretary
However, a group of senior party stakeholders under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party Concerned Stakeholders has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the PDP, calling for an immediate end to what it describes as a “sustained and unjustified” crisis on the secretaryship of the party.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PCS advised that the best solution to the crisis is to allow the National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, to serve out his tenure, thereby addressing the quagmire in which the party finds itself regarding the secretaryship.
A three-member committee established by the National Executive Committee revealed last month that the Independent National Electoral Commission recognises Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary in line with a Supreme Court judgment.
The committee was led by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, with Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), and PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).
Accordingly, the PCS called on key organs of the party, including the South East Zonal Caucus, the PDP Governors Forum, the National Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees to restore unity, uphold the rule of law, and allow Anyanwu to serve out the remaining months of his constitutionally recognised tenure.
The group cited the March 21 ruling of the Supreme Court, which it says unequivocally affirmed Senator Anyanwu’s position as the party’s National Secretary.
It also referenced formal recognition by INEC, arguing that further attempts to unseat him not only defy legal precedent but also risk plunging the PDP into deeper turmoil.
“What was once a resolvable internal disagreement has now snowballed into a festering wound in the heart of the PDP.
“We find it deeply troubling that, nearly a year after this crisis erupted, the party leadership has allowed it to escalate rather than enforce its resolution through lawful means,” the statement read.
The PCS, led by Aminu Das Sadiq, compared the ongoing dispute to a similar crisis in 2024 involving the National Publicity Secretary and National Legal Adviser — a conflict that was resolved through negotiation and party mechanisms.
They questioned why the same diplomatic and constitutional channels are not being applied in Anyanwu’s case.
The dispute over the party’s secretaryship has deepened fault lines within the party.
The PCS warned that the South East Zonal Caucus is now fractured, the National Working Committee is in disarray, and unity among PDP governors is under strain.
The group cautioned that if the internal feud is not contained, it could weaken the party ahead of critical electoral contests.
“The implications are already manifesting. The NEC and BoT are no longer speaking in one voice. Even the PDP Governors Forum, once a symbol of cohesion, is being pulled in opposite directions. This is a tragedy we cannot afford,” the PCS said
According to the PCS, the effort to remove Senator Anyanwu is motivated more by personal ambition than party interest.
They accused unnamed stakeholders of viewing the position of National Secretary as a “political prize” rather than a party institution protected by the constitution.
“Let it be known: only a properly convened National Convention can remove a sitting National Secretary. Any communication or decision made outside this legal framework is null and void and carries no weight before INEC or in the court of public opinion,” the statement declared.
Senator Anyanwu, who has less than six months remaining in his tenure, reportedly enjoys the support of a significant bloc within the party, including governors, National Assembly members, and grassroots mobilizers.
The PCS warned that his unlawful removal could trigger mass defections and permanently damage the PDP’s electoral prospects.
The PCS specifically appealed to key figures, including Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu), urging them to help de-escalate tensions and steer the party back toward unity.
They also called on acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the NWC to recognise the authority of the courts and INEC by respecting Senator Anyanwu’s legal mandate.
“As dedicated stakeholders of the party, we issue this solemn appeal: let Senator Anyanwu serve out the remainder of his constitutionally mandated tenure. Anything short of this is contemptuous of the law and deeply injurious to party discipline,” the group said.
Tinubu pledges stronger electoral system, flags off INEC headquarters construction
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the construction of a new Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system and fostering a more robust democracy.
The President declared that the new edifice would serve as a “hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.”
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is continuously evolving, necessitating corresponding growth in the institutions that uphold and protect it.
He promised his administration’s full support to ensure that INEC is adequately equipped, not only with infrastructure but also with the necessary legal frameworks, policies, and resources to effectively execute its constitutional mandate with courage and excellence.
The President particularly commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, describing it as “another important step towards the protection of our democracy in this country.”
He lauded the Minister’s vision, courage, and commitment to national progress and development.
Tinubu also extended his appreciation to the entire leadership of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the staff of INEC for their unwavering dedication.
He acknowledged their courage in confronting challenges and their efforts in laying a stronger foundation for democratic resilience in Nigeria.
Addressing the contractors, supervisors, and all stakeholders involved in the project, Tinubu issued a clear charge, stressing the profound significance of their work.
“You are not just building an edifice; you are building trust in our nation,” Tinubu stated, underscoring the symbolic importance of the new headquarters.
He urged them to allow “quality, speed, integrity, and transparency” to guide their efforts.
Concluding his speech, Tinubu reminded Nigerians that “democracy is not a destination but a journey.”
He called for collective efforts to strengthen institutions, safeguard freedoms, and protect the nation’s future.
CUPP tackles Wike on reconstruction of INEC headquarters
Also, the Coalition of United Political Parties has opposed the move by the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Development Authority to construct a new headquarters for INEC.
CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, in a statement on Tuesday, argued that the move constitutes a direct assault on the commission’s constitutional independence.
Warning that INEC risks compromising its impartiality and eroding public trust in the electoral process, CUPP called on INEC to immediately halt the arrangement with the FCDA and leverage its direct line charge to independently fund and manage the construction of its headquarters.
It further called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers in ensuring that INEC’s budget reflects its infrastructural and operational needs without reliance on external agencies.
CUPP asserted that the move contradicts the purpose of the direct line charge, which empowers INEC to independently budget for its operational and infrastructural needs through appropriations by the National Assembly.
Additionally, it enjoined the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC to prioritize staff welfare to strengthen the integrity of the electoral system.
“The Nigerian people deserve an electoral body that upholds its constitutional mandate of independence and prioritizes the mechanisms that drive credible elections. Any attempt to undermine INEC’s autonomy threatens the foundation of our democracy. We must act swiftly to protect the integrity of our electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections,” it noted.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) explicitly safeguards INEC’s autonomy under Section 158(1), which insulates the commission from external control in its operations. Furthermore, Section 81(3) provides for a direct line charge to INEC’s budget, ensuring financial independence through funds drawn directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“This mechanism, reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022, was designed to eliminate INEC’s reliance on politically controlled entities, thereby curing the historical problem of undue influence over the election management body.
“The justification offered by INEC’s Chairman—that the FCDA’s role in building the commission’s initial headquarters when it relocated from Lagos validates its current involvement—is outdated and indefensible. Nigeria’s electoral laws have evolved significantly, and such arrangements are no longer acceptable for an institution tasked with conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
“The mere fact that FCDA was allowed to initiate and carry out the construction of the new headquarters speaks volumes—an agency under the Federal Capital Territory Administration and subject to political oversight by Nyesom Wike—to fund and construct its headquarters.
“Public sentiment, as expressed by so many citizens, echoes this concern, with Nigerians questioning the integrity of an electoral body that permits political actors to influence its operations.
“Equally concerning is INEC’s misplaced priority in focusing on a new headquarters while neglecting the welfare of its staff—the bureaucratic backbone of the commission. The employees who manage voter registration, election logistics, and result collation deserve competitive salaries, adequate training, and improved working conditions to enhance their efficiency and resist electoral malpractices.
“Diverting attention to a grandiose project at the expense of staff welfare undermines INEC’s mission to deliver credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”
INEC staff demand Yakubu’s removal, threaten mass protest
In a related development, staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission have issued an ultimatum to President Tinubu to initiate the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the commission over alleged abuse of office, corruption, and tyrannical leadership.
This comes as President Tinubu flagged off the construction of INEC’s new annex office on Zambezi Crescent, Abuja, on Tuesday.
In an open letter made available to journalists by staff members under “Concerned Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nationwide,” the workers accused Yakubu of running the commission as a “one-man show” and threatened mass protests if their demands are not met within seven days.
“Again, the INEC staff is requesting and calling the attention of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to (come to) their rescue. We are seeking the removal of Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman for abuse of office, oppressive actions, and to probe misappropriation of funds and corrupt practices,” the letter stated.
Yakubu assumed the role on November 9, 2015. He became the first INEC chairman to be sworn in for a second term after former President Muhammadu Buhari renewed his appointment in 2020.
Section 157 of the constitution stipulates that the president can only remove the INEC chairman with the support of two-thirds of the Senate.
The staff alleged that their repeated appeals to the presidency have been ignored, stating: “The staff of INEC have, on several occasions, demanded the sack and removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the commission, but unfortunately, it has continuously been given deaf ears.”
The workers accused Yakubu of financial impropriety, saying allowances meant for staff are being withheld while the chairman and commissioners benefit.
“Several allowances approved by the Federal Government are still owed to staff, and these allowances are basically applicable and effective to him and the commissioners while all other staff are excluded,” they alleged in the open letter addressed to President Tinubu.
The staff members called for intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission: “There is also serious financial misappropriation by the Chairman, and we urge the appropriate and relevant authorities such as EFCC and ICPC to be invited to check and scrutinize INEC’s financial record for confirmation of corrupt practices.”
The workers further accused Yakubu of autocratic leadership style, alleging that he operates without consultation or input from other commission members.
“Prof Yakubu Mahmood, in his high handedness, has turned the Commission into a one-man show. He singlehandedly runs the commission by himself, with himself and for himself. No one in the commission is capable of advising him as he takes none else’s ideas or advice. Not even the commissioners can approach him on matters, talk more of the Directors who cannot come close, due to his tyrannical, bullying, oppressive actions, vindictive policies and illiberal way of leadership that he has enforced. He takes critical decisions alone without the input from other members, thereby seeing himself as a god. While these are having severe consequences on the staff members and the entire commission,” the letter stated.
They further alleged workplace abuse, claiming: “The staff means nothing to him, as he sees staff as slaves with no rights to complain, which he has always shown both in his words, body language and actions. Verbal insults, belittling comments, and abuses are lashed on staff at will, with instances where in meetings; he had called staff ‘thieves’.”
Yakubu was further accused of preventing staff members from forming associations.
“Some very courageous staff who tried to organize an association some years ago were harassed, bullied, hunted, victimized, tormented, oppressed and tortured with transfer out of the INEC headquarters Abuja to various state offices by the chairman, till date, so as not to achieve the formation of any form of staff organization.
“It is therefore important at this point that this letter is given the due attention required, so that the degree and level of frustration amongst staff, despite our being responsible law-abiding citizens, we are humans. Else the frustration outweighs and over clouds our sense of responsibility and reasoning to nettle and rub someone up the wrong way and the INEC Staff nationwide would then want to go on mass protest over neglect of staff welfare matters occasioned by the abuse of office by Prof. Yakubu Mahmood.
“Within the next 7 days of this publication, a letter will be sent requesting and appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to kindly use his good office to grant the staff an express permission (Executive Fiat) to form at least just an indigenous association ‘INEC Staff Forum’ (ISF), where staff can reason together, share concerns that can be communicated to the management,” said while passing a vote of no confidence on Yakubu’s leadership.
“In conclusion, we, the entire staff of INEC nationwide, are disappointed over the leadership of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, which is taking a toll on the lives of the hard-working staff, and we hereby pass a ‘vote of no confidence’ on him. ‘WE WANT HIM TO GO NOW SINCE STAFF WELFARE MATTERS IS CRITICAL TO ANY CREDIBLE ELECTION’ We hereby call on the President and the citizens of our dear country Nigeria to come to our aid and save INEC staff.”
Meanwhile, Yakubu delivered a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of INEC’s new annex building where he highlighted the commission’s growth and infrastructure development for decades.
Speaking at the event attended by President Tinubu, Yakubu noted that the commission’s headquarters, commissioned in December 1997 for 500 staff, now houses 1,048 staff members, necessitating the new facility.
“For a long time, the Commission has been grappling with inadequate office accommodation. Our present national headquarters is severely congested,” Yakubu said, describing the new building project as a “special occasion” after “almost ten years of persistent effort.”