The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) assumed a new twist, on Monday, as the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Umar Damagum, disowned party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, over his on recent letter by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was premature.
Damagum, said the party spokesman spoke for himself, as he allegedly did not have the authorisations of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to talk on the issue. Ologunagba, while reacting to a correspondence by the INEC rejecting a letter by the opposition party, said the electoral body cannot dictate for the PDP how to conduct its affairs.
Damagum, had in a letter dated May 30, 2025, notified of the June 30, 2025 NEC meeting of the opposition party. Nonetheless, INEC, in its response, stated that the letter was not in conformity with part 2(12)3 of Regulations and Guidelines for political parties, 2022, which requires the national chairman and national secretary of political parties to “jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission.”
Nonetheless, the PDP chairman said the party is scheduled to meeting with the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, today, to discuss issues raised by the electoral body.
“The comments 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.
“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.’
“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,’ he stated.
