(Damagum denounces Ologunagba’s statement as unauthorized)

There is confusion in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over Monday’s planned National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The preparations for the meeting have polarised the National Working Committee (NWC), led by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Although the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had said the meeting would hold at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, Damagum, however, disputed the notice.

Chiding Ologunagba for making an authorised statement, the acting chairman said he (Ologunagba) was trying to start another ‘battle’ with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Publicity Secretary, who told reporters on Sunday that the meeting would hold, had accused the commission of mischief, adding that the INEC Acting Secretary, Haliru Umaru, should be probed.

Ologunagba kicked against the INEC memo that drew attention to the notice of meeting exclusively signed by Damagum, pointing out that it is invalid unless it is co-signed by the National Secretary.

Although Senator Samuel Anyanwu is recognized by the Commission as the National Secretary, he had, however, been shoved aside by PDP governors, who asked the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, to act as Secretary.

The obvious recognition of Anyanwu by INEC and his rejection by the governors have deepened the protracted leadership crisis in the main opposition party.

Taking exception to Ologunagba’s insistence that the NEC meeting would hold despite INEC’s advice on the procedure for issuance of notice, Damagum said he is on his own.

In a statement titled: ‘Acting chairman denounces unauthorized commentary by PDP Publicity Secretary, ‘the Acting Chairman said further decisions would be based on consensus.

It reads: “My attention, as the Ag. National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been drawn to a recent press interactions comments made by our National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, concerning the party’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the purported position of the party regarding communications from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“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 (NWC) of our great party; the comments was made prematurely and without due consultation, especially in light of the fact that a meeting has already been scheduled for Tuesday, 24th June 2025 between the party leaders, stakeholder, the Ag. National Chairman of PDP and the Chairman of INEC to address the concerns raised in the letter sent to our Party.

“It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to establish internal processes or the leadership of the party. 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 interactions are entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.

“Regrettably, this is not the first time that Hon. Ologunagba has acted unilaterally, disregarding the collective decision-making structures of the Party.

“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 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.” (The Nation)