Nigerian Electoral Body Holds Talks with Opposition Party Over Leadership Issue

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held discussions on Tuesday with leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at its headquarters in Abuja.

A high-level delegation from the PDP, led by its Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, met with INEC to address concerns regarding the status of the party’s National Secretary.

Welcoming the delegation, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasised the importance of the meeting, noting that it was convened at the PDP’s request. He reiterated INEC’s commitment to engaging with political parties as the registrar and regulator of party affairs in Nigeria.

Prof. Yakubu highlighted the challenges posed by conflicting communications from the PDP regarding its National Secretary. He noted that INEC had received correspondence identifying different individuals as holding the position, which had complicated procedural matters, particularly concerning the notification of NEC meetings. He pointed out that the most recent communication lacked the National Secretary’s signature, which is required by INEC guidelines.

Despite these inconsistencies, Prof. Yakubu commended the PDP for its past adherence to procedures.

In response, Umar Damagum expressed his gratitude to INEC for the opportunity to engage directly on the matter. He acknowledged the issues raised by INEC, stating that the matter of the National Secretary had been subject to legal proceedings, including a Supreme Court judgment in which INEC was involved. He said the PDP delegation was there to seek clarity on the current situation within the party to ensure they could proceed in accordance with the law and established guidelines.

Umar Damagum explained that the PDP’s NEC had mandated him to sign the letter to INEC to avoid further disputes and that the meeting would help guide the party’s next steps.

He concluded by underscoring the significance of the planned closed-door session, which he anticipated would foster an open and productive dialogue between the PDP and the electoral commission.