The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has publicly disowned a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the party’s stance on a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Damagun described Ologunagba’s comments as “unauthorised” and “premature,” stressing that they did not reflect the official position of the PDP.
Damagun was reacting to Ologunagba’s recent press engagement, where he reportedly commented on the PDP’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the party’s response to INEC’s correspondence.
In a rebuttal issued on Monday, Damagun stated that the publicity secretary acted without approval from the National Working Committee (NWC) and disregarded established party protocols.
He said: “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).”
He continued: “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.”
Damagun revealed that a meeting had already been scheduled for Tuesday, 24th June 2025, between PDP leaders, stakeholders, and INEC’s chairman to address the concerns raised in the electoral body’s letter. He expressed dismay that Ologunagba chose to speak publicly on the matter before this crucial engagement.
“It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to established internal processes or the leadership of the Party,” he said.
The acting chairman categorically distanced the party from Ologunagba’s remarks, stating: “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 further criticised the publicity secretary’s tendency to act unilaterally, noting: “Regrettably, this is not the first time that Hon. Ologunagba has acted unilaterally, disregarding the collective decision-making structures of the Party.”
While acknowledging the party’s determination to protect its internal autonomy, Damagun emphasised that such efforts must be conducted responsibly. “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,” he stated.
He reiterated the PDP’s dedication to democratic norms, adding: “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.”
In closing, Damagun sought to reassure PDP members and the public that the party’s leadership was handling the matter with transparency. “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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