PDP meeting – NEC didn’t authorize response against INEC – Damagum

By Lateef Ibrahim

Umar Damagum, acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has disowned comment by Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, ahead of the 100th National Executive Committee, (NEC), of the party.

Mr Ologunagba had told a news conference that PDP was not under any obligation to write Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), for its regular meetings, including the NEC, meeting scheduled for June 30.

But Mr Damagum in a statement he personally signed and in Abuja, described Mr Ologunagba’s comment on the purported position of the INEC on their meetings as unauthorized.

He said: “Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Ologunagba was made without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.”

Mr Damagum said that there will be a meeting of the party’s leaders, stakeholders, himself and the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, to address the concerns raised in the letter sent to our party.

He said that it was shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to established internal processes or the leadership of the party.

“In my capacity as the acting national chairman, I wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed by Ologunagba in that press interactions were entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”

Mr Damagum said that while the PDP remained committed to defending its internal autonomy and resisting undue interference from external forces, it must do so in a responsible manner.

“Our strength lies in our unity, discipline and adherence to due process.

“The PDP remains committed to conducting its 100th NEC meeting in accordance with the constitutional provisions and democratic norms.

“However, we will do so with collective consensus and proper coordination, not through the lens of personal posturing,” he said.

Mr Ologunagba later said that the comments were made prematurely and without due consultation, especially in the light of the fact that a meeting had already been scheduled for yesterday, June 24.