The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has publicly disowned recent comments made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the party’s internal affairs.
In a statement issued on Monday, Damagum emphasized that Ologunagba’s claim that INEC has no authority to intervene in the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was not authorized by the party’s leadership. He described the remarks as “unauthorized, premature, and made without consultation.”
The PDP, once Nigeria’s ruling party, has faced significant internal strife since losing power in 2015, including leadership disputes, widespread defections, and inconclusive congresses in several regions.
A major point of contention has been the ongoing dispute over the position of National Secretary between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The party named Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary in a bid to resolve the issue. However, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu concluded that INEC recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.
After its 99th NEC meeting, the party scheduled its 100th NEC session for June 30 and formally notified INEC on May 30. INEC, however, declined to acknowledge the notice, citing legal requirements that it must be co-signed by both the National Chairman and the recognized National Secretary.
In response, Ologunagba held a press briefing on Sunday, asserting that INEC has no legal standing to block internal meetings such as NEC or NWC sessions, which, he argued, fall outside the commission’s oversight.
“INEC cannot cancel our meetings. These are internal party matters, clearly defined by law and upheld by the courts,” Ologunagba stated.
But Damagum swiftly countered the spokesperson’s position.
“As Acting National Chairman, I categorically state that Ologunagba’s comments do not represent the views of the National Working Committee or the party’s leadership,” Damagum said. “It is disappointing that such a sensitive issue was aired publicly without proper internal discussion.”
He further revealed that a crucial meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, between PDP leaders and INEC officials to address the commission’s concerns.
Damagum also criticized Ologunagba for a recurring tendency to act independently of party consensus.
“While the PDP will defend its autonomy and resist undue external interference, we must do so with unity, coordination, and respect for party processes,” he said.
“The 100th NEC meeting will go ahead in accordance with constitutional provisions—but through collective agreement, not personal declarations.”
He concluded by assuring party members and the public that efforts are underway to resolve the matter in a responsible and transparent manner.
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