The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has distanced the party’s leadership from recent comments made by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
The reaction is coming on the heels of a comment credited to Ologunagba regarding the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the party’s position on a communication received from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Damagum clarified that Ologunagba acted without authorization or the approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“My attention, as the Ag. National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been drawn to a recent press interaction by our National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
“Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Hon. Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee of our great Party,” Damagum said.
The comments in question reportedly concerned the scheduling of the PDP’s upcoming 100th NEC meeting and reactions to INEC’s correspondence, which raised certain procedural and legal concerns.
Damagum emphasized that a crucial meeting had already been scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, between the party leadership including himself and the INEC Chairman, to formally address the issues raised in the commission’s letter.
“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 said, adding that the views expressed by Ologunagba were “entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”
He further disclosed that this was not the first time the National Publicity Secretary had acted unilaterally, accusing him of bypassing the party’s collective decision-making structures.
“While the Party remains committed to defending its internal autonomy and resisting undue interference from external forces, it must do so in a responsible and unified manner. Our strength lies in our unity, discipline, and adherence to due process,” the statement read.
Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to holding its milestone 100th NEC meeting in line with constitutional provisions and democratic principles but stressed that it would only be done through consensus and coordinated efforts.
He assured the party members and the general public that the party’s leadership is fully engaged in resolving the matter transparently and responsibly.
“We appreciate the support and vigilance of all party faithful and assure the public that the leadership of the PDP is fully engaged in resolving this matter responsibly and transparently.”