Damagum Disowns PDP Spokesman’s Remarks On INEC

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

Naijaonpoint reports that Damagum, in a statement personally signed on Monday, described the comments as “premature, unauthorised, and not reflective of the party’s official position.”

Ologunagba, during a media interaction on Sunday in Abuja, reportedly made critical comments about INEC’s handling of internal party matters.

However, Damagum clarified that the statement was issued without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC) or any consultation with the PDP’s leadership.

“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 emphasised that Ologunagba’s remarks were “entirely his personal opinions” and should not be mistaken as the party’s stance.

The clarification comes just 24 hours before a scheduled meeting between the PDP leadership and INEC Chairman to address concerns raised in a formal letter from the electoral body.

Damagum said the PDP remains committed to defending its autonomy and internal processes but must do so through “responsible and unified” actions.

“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 noted.

The acting chairman also raised concern over what he called a recurring pattern by Ologunagba of issuing statements unilaterally, often bypassing the collective decision-making mechanisms of the party.

“All major decisions must be reached through collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing,” Damagum stated.

Despite the controversy, Damagum assured party members that the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would go ahead as planned.

He urged party faithful to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that the leadership was handling the matter “responsibly and transparently.”

“We appreciate the support and vigilance of all party faithful and assure the public that the leadership of the PDP is fully engaged in resolving this matter responsibly and transparently,” he concluded.