The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has publicly distanced the party from recent statements made by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the party’s upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Damagum described Ologunagba’s comments as unauthorised, premature, and not reflective of the official position of the PDP. He emphasized that the remarks were made without the knowledge or approval of the National Working Committee (NWC) and ahead of a scheduled meeting between PDP leadership and INEC officials to address concerns raised by the electoral body.
“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,” Damagum stated. He further clarified that Ologunagba’s views were “entirely his personal opinions” and cautioned against unilateral actions that undermine the party’s collective decision-making structures.
This development follows INEC’s rejection of a notice for the PDP’s NEC meeting, citing procedural irregularities in the communication submitted to the commission. While Ologunagba had dismissed INEC’s objections and insisted the meeting would proceed, Damagum reaffirm remains committed to resolving the matter responsibly and in line with democratic norms.