Damagum: Ologunagba not authorised to speak on INEC approval for PDP NEC meeting

Umar Damagum, acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has distanced the national working committee (NWC) from a comment by Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson.

BACKGROUND

In May, the PDP wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold the national executive committee (NEC) meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja on June 30.

The notice, signed solely by Damagum, was in accordance with INEC’s 21-day notification requirement for political meetings of such magnitude.

However, in a letter dated June 13 and addressed to the party’s chairman, INEC said the notice of the meeting failed to comply with its regulations.

The commission said the notice of the proposed NEC meeting ought to have been jointly signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary.

There has been a tussle within the PDP over the position of national secretary, with Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye laying claim to the seat.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Ologunagba said the party would go ahead with the NEC meeting, noting that INEC’s approval is not required for the PDP to hold the gathering.

‘HE WAS NOT AUTHORISED’

However, in a letter issued on Monday, Damagum said Ologunagba was not authorised to speak on the matter.

He said the party’s spokesperson made the statement “without the authority or approval” of the NWC.

“The comment was 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,” the statement reads.

“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 interaction are entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”

Damagum said Ologunagba has previously acted “unilaterally, disregarding the collective decision-making structures” of the party.

He said 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”.

Damagum added that the PDP’s strength lies in its unity, discipline, and adherence to due process.