PDP postpones NEC meeting indefinitely

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indefinitely postponed its 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, citing “recent developments” within the party.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said the postponement was approved during an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on Monday.

“In view of recent developments in the party, the NWC, in exercise of its powers under Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), has approved the postponement of the 103rd NEC meeting to a new date that will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

The announcement came amid growing turmoil within the party, including a leadership dispute at the Federal High Court in Abuja and a wave of defections in Kaduna State.

At Tuesday’s plenary session, three PDP members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State—Hussaini Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Abdullahi (Sabon Gari)—defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their defection letters were read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, in the presence of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was specially recognised by lawmakers and warmly welcomed the new APC members.

The defections, long expected following widening divisions in Kaduna PDP, are viewed as a major boost to the APC’s dominance in the state.

Ahmed said his decision followed “extensive consultations” with supporters and was aimed at facilitating greater development in his constituency.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s internal rift deepened at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) openly disagreed over who had the authority to appoint legal representation for the party.

The disagreement arose during the hearing of a suit filed by three aggrieved members—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South)—seeking to stop the party’s planned national convention.

While Damagum authorised Chris Uche (SAN) to represent the PDP, Ajibade insisted he was the only official empowered by the party’s constitution to appoint counsel.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, was forced to adjourn proceedings briefly after both men clashed in open court.

When the session resumed, they reported that reconciliation efforts had failed, prompting Uche to request more time.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 16, for further hearing.

The unfolding crisis, coming amid high-level defections and leadership disputes, underscores the growing instability within the PDP as it struggles to reposition ahead of future elections.