By Ayomide Otitoju
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has distanced the party from comments made by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the party’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
In a statement on Monday, Damagum described Ologunagba’s assertions as premature, unauthorized, and lacking consultation with the party leadership. Ologunagba had stated during a press briefing that INEC had no legal standing to interfere in routine NEC meetings, insisting that such gatherings are internal party affairs.
“My attention, as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, has been drawn to recent press comments by our National Publicity Secretary concerning the party’s scheduled NEC meeting and INEC’s response,” Damagum said. “Let me state unequivocally that his comments were made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee.”
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts since its loss of federal power in 2015. Disputes over leadership, including a battle between Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu over the post of National Secretary, have led to repeated delays in convening NEC meetings.
Despite the appointment of Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu confirmed that INEC still recognizes Senator Anyanwu as the legitimate officeholder.
INEC subsequently rejected the notice for the 100th NEC meeting on procedural grounds, citing its requirement that both the National Chairman and Secretary must sign such notifications.
Ologunagba challenged INEC’s position, arguing that its statutory role does not extend to NEC meetings unrelated to party primaries or officer elections. In response, Damagum reiterated that the party’s position will be determined collectively and responsibly.
“This isn’t the first time Ologunagba has acted outside established protocols,” Damagum noted. “While we are committed to protecting our internal autonomy, we must do so in a coordinated and unified manner.”
The 100th NEC meeting is still scheduled to hold, pending further dialogue between party officials and INEC representatives in a meeting slated for Tuesday, June 24.
