The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has distanced the party from recent comments made by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the party’s internal affairs.
Damagum, in an official statement released on Monday, said Ologunagba’s remarks—suggesting that INEC had no authority to interfere with the party’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting—were unauthorised and did not reflect the party’s official position.
“The comment by Hon. Debo Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee,” Damagum said. “It was premature and made without due consultation, especially considering that a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, between PDP leadership and the INEC Chairman to address the issues raised in INEC’s correspondence.”
Ologunagba had on Sunday asserted that INEC lacked the legal basis to interfere in NEC meetings, stating that its role was limited to receiving notices of congresses, primaries, or conventions involving internal elections—not regular party meetings.
“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,” Ologunagba had stated at a press briefing.
However, Damagum rebuked the statement, saying it did not follow internal protocols and misrepresented the party’s current efforts to resolve the situation amicably.
“This is not the first time the National Publicity Secretary has acted independently of the party’s leadership,” Damagum said. “While we remain committed to defending the independence of our party against external interference, it is critical that we do so with unity and coordinated leadership.”
The controversy stems from INEC’s rejection of a May 30 notice issued by Damagum regarding the upcoming NEC meeting. INEC cited non-compliance with its requirement that such notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary. The party currently faces a leadership dispute over the Secretary position, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu, backed by Minister Nyesom Wike, being recognised by INEC, while the party’s internal faction appointed Setonji Koshoedo as acting secretary.
This power struggle, along with unresolved congress issues and internal divisions, has plagued the party since its 2015 loss of federal power, contributing to prolonged NEC meeting delays and dwindling national influence.
Despite the challenges, Damagum assured party members that the 100th NEC meeting would go ahead, but only through proper consensus and legal procedures.
“The PDP remains committed to conducting its 100th NEC meeting in accordance with constitutional provisions and democratic norms. However, we will do so through collective consensus—not through personal posturing,” he said.
Damagum also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and internal cohesion, urging members to remain united as the leadership navigates the current political turbulence.