Damagum Denies Ologunagba, Says Media Briefing on PDP 100th NEC Not Authorised
The leadership crisis in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , yesterday, widened as acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, denied the press briefing held recently by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, DeboOlogunagba, describing it as unauthorised.
Ologunagba had Sunday said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not stop the party from holding the 100th NEC meeting. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating INEC.
But in a statement by the acting chairman, titled, ‘’Unauthorised Commentary by PDP Publicity Secretary,” Damagum explained that Ologunagba’s statement was not authorised by the party.
The statement dated June 23, 2025, 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. DeboOlogunagba, 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).
‘’Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Hon. DeboOlogunagba 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, 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, 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.”
Damagun stated, “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.”
