The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it was going ahead with its has insisted it will proceed with its scheduled June 30 National Executive Committee meeting vowing that the Independent National Electoral Commission has no authority to stop a statutory gathering.
The PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, who disclosed this, asking INEC’s Acting Secretary, Halilu Aminu, who he was serving by unilaterally attempting to define the purpose of the party’s meeting.
The Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum notified INEC on May 30 of the party’s NEC meeting.
But the INEC, turned back the notice, saying the letter was not properly handled, adding that it must be co-signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary, and urged the party to comply accordingly.
Ologunagba, however, said by Nigerian law and the PDP constitution, INEC’s role is limited to being notified about conventions, congresses, or primaries where party officers or candidates are elected.
He said “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.
“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.
“We did not state that the meeting was for electing officers, conducting primaries, or nominating candidates for elective positions.
“Yet, the Acting Secretary of INEC, Halilu Aminu, decided to unilaterally assign a purpose to our meeting.”
Ologunagba said the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting will assess the progress made in preparations for the upcoming national convention, including reports from the Zoning and Convention Committees established during the 99th NEC meeting.
“At the 99th NEC meeting, it was unanimously agreed to schedule the next meeting for the 30th of June.
“The constitution of the Zoning Committee and the Convention Committee was approved. Consultations with various organs of the party and stakeholders are ongoing,” he said.
