The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has dissociated the party from remarks made by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, asserting that the Independent National Electoral Commission has no authority to halt the party’s 100th National Executive Committee meeting.

In a statement on Monday, Damagum clarified that the PDP leadership did not sanction Ologunagba’s statement, describing it as premature and made without proper consultation.

Once Nigeria’s leading political force, the Peoples Democratic Party has faced persistent setbacks since its 2015 loss, struggling with internal leadership disputes, defections, and unresolved congress issues across major regions.

A key flashpoint has been the tussle over the position of National Secretary between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. This power struggle has further widened internal divisions and caused repeated delays in holding NEC meetings.

In a bid to restore order, the party named Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding committee chaired by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu found that the INEC officially recognizes Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate Secretary.

Subsequently, the PDP’s 99th NEC meeting fixed June 30 for its 100th NEC session, and on May 30, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum issued a formal notice to INEC.

INEC, however, rejected the communication, citing its requirement that such notices must be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary, and urged the party to follow proper procedures.

Responding to INEC’s stance, PDP Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in a press conference on Sunday stated that, under Nigerian law and the party’s constitution, INEC’s role is limited to receiving notification of conventions, congresses, or primaries involving the election of party officers or candidates.

He stated, “INEC has no role in the regular meetings of the NWC or NEC. These are internal party matters, as clearly established by the Supreme Court in numerous rulings.

“INEC cannot cancel our meetings. It is the party’s prerogative to decide such matters. INEC has no authority to do so. We are planning to hold our meetingas scheduled, if anything changes we will brief you.”

In response, the PDP Acting National Chairman dismissed Ologunagba’s statement, describing it as an unauthorised remark.

He stated, “My attention, as the Ag. National Chairman of the 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 (meeting and the purported position of the Party regarding communications from the 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 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 Teusday, 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.”

Damagum expressed regret, noting that this isn’t the first instance of Ologunagba acting independently, ignoring the party’s collective decision-making process.

He stressed that while the PDP is determined to protect its internal independence and push back against external interference, it must approach this in a unified and responsible way.

The Acting National Chairman stated, “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.

“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.” (The PUNCH)