Just In: Damagum Disowns Party Spokesman’s Remarks on INEC, NEC Meeting

Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has distanced the party from remarks made by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacked the authority to suspend the PDP’s planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

In a statement issued Monday, Damagum emphasised that Ologunagba’s comments were unsanctioned, describing them as hasty and made without adequate consultation with party leadership.

Once Nigeria’s dominant political party, the PDP has faced ongoing challenges since its 2015 electoral defeat, including internal leadership rifts, widespread defections, and unresolved congress matters in key regions.

One major source of contention is the dispute over the National Secretary position between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who enjoys support from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. This internal conflict has deepened factional divides and repeatedly stalled NEC meetings.

To restore stability, the party appointed Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding panel led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu reported that INEC formally recognizes Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.

Following these developments, the PDP’s 99th NEC resolved to hold its 100th session on June 30, with Damagum issuing a formal notification to INEC on May 30.

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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 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.”

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.”