Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has distanced the party’s leadership from a recent comment made by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The comment in question relates to the upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party scheduled for June 30, 2025.
Ologunagba had earlier addressed a press conference where he claimed the PDP was under no legal obligation to notify INEC about the NEC meeting. He insisted that the party only needed to inform the commission when holding an elective convention, congress, or primary elections, and not for regular internal meetings. He also described the PDP’s invitation to INEC as a courtesy, not a requirement.
However, Damagum in a personally signed statement made available to journalists in Abuja, described Ologunagba’s comment as unauthorised and not reflective of the position of the National Working Committee (NWC). He expressed shock that such a sensitive issue was addressed publicly without due consultation.
“As the acting national chairman of our great party, I wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed by Mr. Debo Ologunagba in his press interactions are entirely his personal opinions,” Damagum said.
He noted that Ologunagba’s statement was made without the knowledge or approval of the NWC, warning that party functionaries must operate with discipline and within the bounds of established internal processes. Damagum confirmed that the party leadership will meet with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to resolve any concerns arising from the commission’s letter.
“It is shocking and unfortunate that a matter of such sensitivity was publicly discussed without recourse to the party’s leadership. We will hold a meeting with INEC to address the concerns they raised,” Damagum added.
He also stressed the PDP’s commitment to upholding internal autonomy, but said this must be done responsibly and in line with democratic norms. “Our strength lies in our unity, discipline and adherence to due process,” he stated.
Damagum assured members and stakeholders that the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting will hold as scheduled and will be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and national laws, but stressed that proper coordination and consensus were key.
In a related development, Ologunagba later acknowledged that his earlier comment was premature and made without consulting party leaders. He said that with a scheduled meeting already fixed for June 24, the public statement should not have been made in haste. He thanked party members for their vigilance and reiterated his support for a united approach to resolving internal disagreements.
The controversy began when PDP, through a letter signed by Damagum alone on May 30, invited INEC to the NEC meeting. INEC responded on June 13, citing that the invitation did not meet the requirements of Part 2(12)3 of its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022), which mandates that both the national chairman and national secretary must jointly sign such notifications.
Ologunagba’s earlier assertion appeared to downplay INEC’s legal position, arguing that only electoral or congress-related events required formal notification. However, Damagum’s intervention makes it clear that the party is taking the matter seriously and will ensure proper procedure is followed going forward.
The PDP continues to face internal power struggles and governance challenges, and party faithful are watching closely as the NEC meeting approaches. Analysts say the outcome of the meeting and the party’s response to INEC’s concerns will have a bearing on its preparations for upcoming elections.
