PDP Acting Chairman Disowns Publicity Secretary Over INEC Approval Row

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) internal leadership has been thrown into turmoil ahead of its June 30 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, after Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum publicly distanced the party from comments made by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba regarding an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) letter.

On Sunday, Ologunagba told reporters that the PDP did not require INEC’s approval to convene its 100th NEC meeting, describing the notice sent to the commission as a mere courtesy. INEC’s earlier correspondence had reminded the party that any formal notice of its NEC must carry the signatures of both the Acting National Chairman and the National Publicity Secretary.

In a statement signed on Monday, Damagum said Ologunagba spoke “without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee.” He noted that a meeting had already been arranged for Tuesday, 24 June 2025, between PDP leaders—including Damagum himself—and INEC Chairman to resolve the very issues raised in the commission’s letter.

“It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to established internal processes or the leadership of the Party,” Damagum said. He went on to describe Ologunagba’s remarks as “entirely his personal opinions” and not reflective of the party’s official position.

Damagum also criticized the publicity secretary’s unilateral approach, pointing out that this was not the first occasion on which Ologunagba had acted outside collective party procedures. “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,” he added.

Despite the dispute, Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s intention to hold its 100th NEC meeting in compliance with its constitution and democratic norms. “However, we will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing,” he concluded.

With just one week to go before the June 30 meeting, the NWC’s public split highlights ongoing tensions over procedural authority and the party’s relationship with the electoral commission. The outcome of Tuesday’s sit-down with INEC is now eagerly anticipated by party stakeholders.