- Safiu Kehinde
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, has disowned the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, over his statement on his statement as regards the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) letter.
Recall that INEC had in the letter dated June 13 disapproved the PDP’s planned 100th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over failure to comply with its regulations.
The commission had maintained that the notice of the proposed NEC meeting was expected to have been jointly signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary.
The National secretary’s signature was however absent in the notice, leading to its disapproval by INEC.
In reaction, Ologunagba had at a Press Conference held on Sunday said the party would go ahead with the NEC meeting, stressing that INEC’s approval is not required for the PDP to hold the gathering.
This was however refuted by Damagun who in a statement issued on Monday maintained that Ologunagba’s statement was unauthorized.
The PDP Chairman held that a meeting slated to hold on Tuesday had already been scheduled with INEC.
In what he described as shocking and unfortunate, Damagun faulted Ologunagba’s statement which he labelled to be his personal opinion and not the official position of the party as his statement was without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He further disclosed that Ologunagba acted unilaterally, disregarding the collective decision-making structure of the party.
While reiterating the PDP’s commitment to conducting the 100th NEC meeting, Damagun assured the party’s faithful that the issue with INEC will be resolved amicably.
The statement read; “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 Partvs 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, 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.
“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.”