Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has backed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its standoff with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the party’s planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30, 2025.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Speaking on Arise TV’s News Night, Amadi argued that INEC lacks the authority to interfere in the PDP’s internal meetings, labeling the commission’s warning about procedural irregularities as an overreach.
The controversy erupted when INEC questioned the validity of the PDP’s meeting notice, signed by Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, citing a requirement for joint signatures from the National Chairman and National Secretary. INEC recognizes Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary, while the PDP insists Koshoedo’s signature is valid.
Amadi supported the PDP’s position, stating, “An acting secretary is a secretary. A letter signed by an acting secretary is valid.” He emphasized that INEC’s role is limited to meetings with electoral consequences, such as conventions or primaries, and does not extend to routine NEC meetings like the one planned.
Amadi criticized INEC for proactively deeming the PDP’s notice invalid without a countermand from a recognized party official. “INEC should presume the acting secretary’s authority unless contradicted by official correspondence,” he said, warning that the commission’s actions fuel perceptions of bias.
He pointed to INEC’s recent acceptance of a new headquarters building inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as a compromising gesture. “It’s an open bribe… INEC should have rejected it,” Amadi asserted, arguing that such actions undermine the commission’s independence, especially given Wike’s stated goal of securing a win for President Bola Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory.
The political analyst also highlighted a broader judicial issue, criticizing a Supreme Court ruling that leaves internal party disputes to the parties themselves. He described this as a “lacuna” that fails to resolve leadership conflicts, citing similar issues in the Labour Party. “The court should determine who is authorized by party rules, not defer to the political branch,” Amadi argued, calling for clearer legal frameworks to address such disputes.
Amadi urged INEC to tread carefully to rebuild its credibility, which he said has been severely damaged. “INEC has lost total credibility… they need to avoid creating the impression they’re a tool to disarray opposition parties,” he warned.
He suggested that INEC’s budget, approved by the National Assembly as a first-line charge, provides sufficient financial insulation to reject unsolicited gifts like Wike’s building donation. “If INEC needs a building, they should advocate for it through proper appropriations, not accept charity from a partisan figure,” he added.
The PDP, led by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, has maintained that the June 30 NEC meeting is an internal affair to address issues like the South East Zonal Executive and the National Secretary position. Amadi’s comments reinforce the party’s stance, intensifying scrutiny on INEC’s role as Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 elections.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
