The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has publicly disowned a recent statement made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the party’s forthcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Damagum described Ologunagba’s comments—which claimed that INEC had no power to halt the party’s NEC meeting—as unauthorised and made without proper consultation. He emphasised that the remarks did not reflect the official position of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“My attention, as the Ag. National Chairman of the PDP, has been drawn to a recent press interaction and comments made by our National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, concerning the Party’s scheduled 100th NEC meeting and the purported position of the Party regarding communications from INEC,” Damagum said.
“Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Hon. Debo Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee of our great Party.”
Ologunagba had, in a press briefing on Sunday, responded to INEC’s rejection of the party’s notice for the NEC meeting, insisting that “INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC”, citing Supreme Court judgments and party constitutional provisions.
He added, “INEC cannot cancel our meetings. It is the party’s prerogative to decide such matters… We are planning to hold our meeting as scheduled, if anything changes, we will brief you.”
However, Damagum faulted the timing and manner of the response, noting that a meeting had already been scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, between PDP leaders, party stakeholders, and INEC Chairman, to resolve the issues raised.
“It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to established internal processes or the leadership of the Party,” Damagum stated. “In my capacity as the Ag. National Chairman, I wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed by Hon. Ologunagba in that press interaction are entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”
This isn’t the first time Ologunagba has been accused of sidestepping internal party procedures. Damagum warned against further actions that could worsen internal strife, especially amid growing leadership tensions.
The PDP has been embroiled in persistent internal disputes, most notably the power struggle over the position of National Secretary between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the latter reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
To restore some order, the party had appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary, but a fact-finding committee led by Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State revealed that INEC still officially recognizes Senator Anyanwu.
Following this, INEC declined to acknowledge the party’s notice for the NEC meeting, citing its requirement that both the National Chairman and National Secretary must sign off on such communications.
Despite the controversies, Damagum assured party members and the public that the 100th NEC meeting will go ahead, but only in line with the PDP’s constitution and with proper coordination.
“The PDP remains committed to conducting its 100th NEC meeting in accordance with constitutional provisions and democratic norms. However, we will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing,” he said.
He concluded by urging all members to support ongoing reconciliation efforts and reaffirmed the party’s resolve to maintain its independence while navigating through its internal challenges.
