A high-powered delegation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, on Tuesday paid a formal visit to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The delegation was received by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, alongside National Commissioners, senior aides, and top directors of the Commission.

According to sources, the meeting was convened to seek regulatory guidance on critical internal matters currently generating tension within the PDP, particularly in the buildup to the party’s proposed 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to neutrality and adherence to due process. “Our role is to ensure that the rules are followed,” he stated.

The meeting comes amid controversy over conflicting public statements from the PDP leadership. On Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, announced that the NEC meeting would proceed as scheduled—regardless of INEC’s position on the matter.

However, in a swift rebuttal, Ambassador Damagum distanced the party’s leadership from Ologunagba’s statement, stating that the National Working Committee (NWC) had not been consulted before the announcement was made. He described the comment as “unauthorized and premature.”

Damagum emphasized that the party had already initiated a process of constructive engagement with INEC, including the Tuesday meeting, to address concerns and ensure due process is followed. “We are committed to open dialogue and lawful procedures,” he said.

The development underscores growing tensions within the PDP as it prepares for the upcoming NEC meeting, which is expected to set the tone for the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the INEC Chairman opening remarks, the meeting continued behind closed doors, where both parties were expected to hold detailed discussions aimed at fostering mutual understanding and resolving the issues at hand.