By John Moses
The acting National Chairman of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Umar Damagum, has distanced the party leadership from remarks made by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, concerning communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr Ologunagba had asserted during a press briefing that the PDP was not obliged to formally notify INEC of its regular internal meetings, including the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) session slated for 30 June.
However, in a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Abuja, Mr Damagum criticised the remarks, calling them “unauthorised” and made without consultation with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“I wish to state clearly and categorically that the comments made by Mr Ologunagba were not sanctioned by the NWC and do not represent the official stance of the PDP,” Damagum stated.
He further revealed that he and other party stakeholders would meet with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to resolve concerns raised in the commission’s correspondence.
INEC had earlier responded to a 30 May letter from Damagum, highlighting procedural issues and stating that notices for such meetings must be co-signed by both the national chairman and national secretary in accordance with electoral guidelines.
Damagum criticised Ologunagba for addressing such a sensitive matter publicly without proper internal consultation, warning that the party must prioritise discipline and unity.
“While we remain committed to resisting undue interference and defending our internal processes, it must be done with coordination and in line with our values,” he added.
Ologunagba later conceded that his comments were premature and made without adequate consultation. He reiterated the PDP’s readiness to conduct its 100th NEC meeting in compliance with party regulations and thanked party members for their vigilance.
