PDP confirms NEC meeting, dismisses alleged change to ‘expanded caucus’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its decision to hold its landmark 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, dispelling circulating claims that the meeting had been converted into a special expanded caucus gathering.

The announcement was made at a press briefing held Sunday in Abuja by the PDP’s National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, alongside eight other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Arapaja stated emphatically that the 100th NEC meeting would proceed as planned, having been unanimously scheduled during the 99th NEC session on May 27, 2025.

He stressed that the meeting would review critical party activities, including updates from the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Organizing Committee.

“In line with Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the date for the NEC meeting is binding on all organs and members of the party. No group, individual or officer of the party has the constitutional authority to alter, postpone, or redefine the nature of the meeting,” Arapaja stated.

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His comments came in response to a controversial statement purportedly issued by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, inviting key party stakeholders to what he termed a “Special Expanded National Caucus Meeting.”

According to Anyanwu’s release, the meeting was to involve statutory members of the national caucus, all deputy national officers, Board of Trustees members, state party chairmen, PDP National Assembly caucus members, former NWC members, national ex-officio members, former PDP governors, and recent gubernatorial candidates who remain in the party.

However, Arapaja dismissed the statement, describing it as unofficial and misleading. He emphasized that there is no constitutional provision for an “Expanded National Caucus” within the PDP.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 30 of our party’s Constitution is clear on the composition, functions, and procedures of the National Caucus. There is no such organ as an ‘Expanded National Caucus,’ and any attempt to promote such a gathering as a substitute for the NEC meeting is unconstitutional and of no binding effect,” he said.

He further maintained that the NEC remains the highest decision-making body of the party and must operate strictly within the framework of the PDP Constitution and internal democratic practices.

Arapaja reaffirmed the party’s commitment to upholding due process, rule of law, and constitutional order within its operations.

Meanwhile, he also confirmed that the PDP’s National Convention is scheduled to take place from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30, 2025, as previously approved by the NEC.

“The PDP remains united and focused on strengthening its internal structures ahead of upcoming electoral and governance responsibilities,” he concluded.