Acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum has rebuked the national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologungaba, for commenting on the impasse between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party without authorisation.
Damagum, in a statement, lambasted Ologungaba for making what he called premature comments without authorisation on the matter ahead of today’s meeting between party leaders, stakeholder and the INEC chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu to address the concerns surrounding the issue.
The national publicity secretary at a press briefing on Sunday tackled INEC for trying to dictate to the party over the holding of the NEC fixed for June 30.
In response to a letter by Damagum notifying INEC of the NEC meeting, INEC told the party that it failed to comply with a regulation which required the national chairman and secretary to sign the notification letter.
Reacting to Ologungaba’s comments, Damagum, who said the party remains committed to conducting its 100th NEC meeting, however said it will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing.
He 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 (NWC) of our great Party. The comments were 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.”
Damagum said it was 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.
He said it is regrettably that this is not the first time 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.
“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,” he said.
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