The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has backed 11 National Working Committee (NWC) members, insisting that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting must hold on June 30 as scheduled. This decision contradicts the stance of the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, who had announced the postponement of the NEC meeting to a date yet to be determined.

In a statement, the BoT chairman, Adolphus Wabara, described Damagum’s actions as a “gross violation of party constitutional order,” declaring them null and void. “The unilateral cancellation of the 100th NEC meeting and pronouncements by the acting national chairman are a gross violation of the party’s constitutional order,” the statement read.

The BoT also rejected Damagum’s reinstatement of embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, insisting it contradicts the party’s constitution, a Supreme Court judgement, and a prior NEC resolution. “The decision of the NWC at its 600th meeting directing the deputy national secretary to act as national secretary remains valid, having not been set aside by the NWC or NEC,” the BoT said.

The party’s crisis has sharply divided key organs, including the NWC, BoT, and Governors’ Forum, into factions aligned with either Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde or the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Both leaders are battling for control of the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The NEC meeting is expected to play a crucial role in determining the party’s direction and leadership. The BoT has urged members to disregard any conflicting directives and proceed with the scheduled meeting. “The 100th NEC meeting shall proceed as scheduled on Monday, June 30, 2025. All members of NEC are duly advised to disregard any contradictory notice or statement regarding the meeting,” the statement added.

The crisis has also led to a court case, with a Federal High Court in Abuja scheduling a fresh hearing for September 22 in the suit over the authentic National Secretary of the party. The court will consider all pending motions, including an application to amend the originating processes filed by Senator Anyanwu.

Meanwhile, sources close to the reconciliation committee chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki have revealed that the decision to support Anyanwu’s reinstatement was aimed at preventing the party’s total collapse. The committee reportedly believed that reinstating Anyanwu would enable the party to hold a properly convened NEC meeting, where his position could be deliberated and decided upon in accordance with the party’s constitution.