Tension In Opposition Camp: PDP Boss Damagum Disavows Spokesman Over INEC Comments

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has publicly distanced the party from comments recently made by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement he personally signed on Monday, Damagum described Ologunagba’s remarks as “unauthorised, premature, and not representative of the PDP’s official stance.”

Ologunagba had, during a media briefing on Sunday in Abuja, criticised INEC’s involvement in the internal affairs of political parties. However, Damagum clarified that those statements were made without the knowledge or approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) or any prior consultation with the party’s leadership.

“It is both surprising and regrettable that such a delicate issue was discussed publicly without following the party’s established internal protocols,” Damagum said.

He stressed that the views expressed by Ologunagba were “entirely personal” and should not be misconstrued as the official position of the PDP.

The clarification comes on the eve of a scheduled meeting between the PDP leadership and the INEC Chairman, where issues raised in a recent letter from the commission will be addressed.

While reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to defending its autonomy and internal structures, Damagum emphasized that such efforts must be pursued through “coordinated and responsible” means.

He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of Ologunagba issuing statements independently, without due consultation or consensus.

“All key decisions must reflect collective agreement and structured coordination, rather than individual perspectives,” he asserted.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Damagum confirmed that the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will proceed as scheduled. He called on party members to remain calm and assured them that the situation is being addressed “with transparency and diligence.”

“We thank all members for their continued vigilance and support. The party leadership is actively managing this issue in a responsible and transparent manner,” he concluded.