The PDP’s internal crisis continues as acting National Chairman Umar Damagum clarified that, despite statements made by its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the National Working Committee has not yet met to discuss the court ruling on the Rivers State Executives.
PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi voiced concerns about Ologunagba’s recent actions, characterizing them as driven by personal interests, during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Tensions within the PDP have persisted as a result of the dispute between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, about the party’s structure in Rivers State.
Wike’s group won the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, despite multiple unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation. Using a court order as justification, Fubara’s supporters boycotted these competitions.
The Rivers State High Court issued a restraining order on January 13, 2025, prohibiting the Wike-aligned executive committees headed by Aaron Chukwuemeka from operating. Additionally, the court issued an injunction that forbids these officials from holding PDP officer positions within the state.
Ologunagba responded on Thursday, saying that the PDP has agreed to the court’s decision. He said that Governor Fubara’s group, led by Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor, was acknowledged by the NWC as the official State Executives.
In a recent development, however, Abdullahi denied Ologunagba’s claim, claiming that the NWC had not complied with or acknowledged the court’s ruling over the Rivers State Congresses.
Abdullahi said, “In the manner that my colleague, Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, has been acting lately, it is becoming glaring that the party is uncomfortable with some of his recent dispositions.
“He appears to have been speaking from both sides of his mouth. Just yesterday, under the directive of the National Chairman, I issued a disclaimer regarding his statement that the NWC had met and accepted the judgment on Rivers State Congresses.
“The NWC did not accept the judgment recognising the Ewor-led executive. That is false. The NWC has not convened since September last year. This is verifiable. So, I wonder how he can claim the NWC met and adopted the verdict.”
Ologunagba was further criticized by Abdullahi for making similar unapproved remarks about rulings in Imo and Ebonyi States, highlighting the fact that the Publicity Secretary lacks the power to speak on behalf of the NWC without first obtaining permission.
He added, “A National Publicity Secretary does not possess the authority to act independently. He cannot speak on behalf of the NWC without clearance. His recent actions have demonstrated a lack of adherence to protocol, which is not expected of him as a lawyer.
“We are witnessing a situation where personal sentiment has clouded his reasoning and is taking a toll on his job. The NWC must deliberate, and the Chairman must give directives before any statements are made.”