The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) has declared that the party remains united despite ongoing internal challenges that have plagued the opposition party since the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, made this declaration following the conclusion of the party's 99th NEC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, stating that the successful convening of the meeting clearly demonstrates the party's unity and focus.

"The successful convening of the 99th NEC meeting clearly communicates our Party's unity and focus despite the challenges," Damagum said while reading from a communique issued at the end of the meeting.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal crisis since the 2023 election period, when controversy erupted over the zoning of the party's presidential ticket to the North while then National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, was also from the same region. More recently, the party has faced disputes over the position of National Secretary, with Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye both claiming the office.

National Convention and Zoning Committees

A key outcome of the NEC meeting was the approval of the party's National Convention, scheduled for August 28-30, 2025. The committee also ratified the composition of two critical committees ahead of the convention.

The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. This committee will determine how national offices will be distributed across Nigeria's geopolitical zones.

For the National Convention Committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will serve as Chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.

National Secretary Dispute

Regarding the contentious National Secretary position, the NEC acknowledged receiving resolutions from the South East Zonal Executive but deferred a decision until its next meeting.

"NEC also received the Resolution of the South East Zonal Executive with regard to the issue of the National Secretary of our Party. NEC resolved to consider the Resolution of the South East Zonal Executive at the next NEC meeting scheduled to hold on Monday, 30th June, 2025," the communique stated.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, stating: "On the part of the PDP, NEC restates our Party's belief in Democracy, the Rule of Law and the Supremacy of the Will of the people as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation in multi-party politics and governance."

In a message to Nigerians, the PDP NEC assured that the party "remains strong, resilient, united and determined now, more than ever before in leading the charge to rescue our Nation from the vicious grip of the APC."