Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as former party spokespersons and senior members condemned Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for disowning a statement made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
Ologunagba had, during a media parley on Sunday, reiterated the party’s stance that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not stop the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 30. However, in a surprise move, Damagum issued a statement on Monday distancing the party from Ologunagba’s remarks, claiming the spokesman acted without authorization from the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The comment by Hon. Debo Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the NWC,” Damagum said in the statement.
The fallout drew sharp reactions from prominent PDP figures, including former National Publicity Secretaries, Kola Ologbondiyan and Olisa Metuh, who described Damagum’s action as an affront to party leadership structures and a threat to internal cohesion.
> “Damagum came after Ologunagba for re-echoing the unanimous resolution of our NEC. This is completely unacceptable and a major affront to the authority of NEC, the NWC, and the sensibility of all PDP members,” Ologbondiyan wrote on Facebook.
He warned that the Acting Chairman’s statement undermines the party’s constitution and could damage its credibility. He urged PDP leaders to act quickly to prevent further internal sabotage.
Olisa Metuh, who also took to social media, said the development was deeply troubling and could erode public trust in the party’s communication channels.
> “I hope this is fake news. Otherwise, it’s an act capable of bringing the party into great disrepute. This is a cardinal offence against the party’s constitution,” Metuh stated.
He expressed concern for the future of the PDP, recalling his 17 years of dedicated service to the party.
“How can the public believe future statements from the National Publicity Secretary if the leadership openly discredits him?” he queried.
The National Ex-Officio Members of the PDP also weighed in, backing Ologunagba and expressing shock at Damagum’s response. In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Chief Faboyede Clement and Hon. Comfort Yassan, they said Ologunagba acted within his constitutional role as party spokesman.
“The media interaction was in line with his duty to communicate the resolutions and activities of the party. We reaffirm our confidence in him and express our full support,” the Ex-Officio members stated.
They further reminded Damagum that as Acting Chairman, he is expected to uphold the party’s constitution and implement decisions made by its organs.
With the 100th NEC meeting approaching, the public fallout signals a growing internal struggle for control and direction within Nigeria’s main opposition party. Observers say how the PDP manages this controversy could shape its image and unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
