Damagum avoids comment, seeks clarity before PDP NEC meeting

Umar Damagum, the acting PDP chairman, deliberately refrained from making definitive statements after careful discussions with INEC leadership on Tuesday.

Specifically, he emphasized that further consultations are necessary before any official comments can be made by the party.

Moreover, this decision demonstrates a cautious approach as PDP seeks clarity following recent developments and ongoing electoral proceedings.

Furthermore, this consultation aimed to resolve procedural disputes surrounding the party’s planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30.

Consequently, the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, leaving party members anticipating further updates.

“The meeting’s status remains uncertain amid ongoing internal conflicts over party leadership roles and compliance with electoral regulations.

Initially, the controversy emerged when Damagum solely signed the party’s notification to INEC regarding the NEC meeting. Consequently, this action fulfilled the 21-day notice requirement set by law.

However, on June 13, INEC rejected this notice due to its lack of a joint signature. Specifically, both the national chairman and secretary’s signatures were necessary, as mandated by legal requirements.

Additionally, the situation is further complicated by the ongoing contest between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye. Thus, this contest over the national secretary position requires official recognition from INEC to resolve the dispute.

Tensions escalated when PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared the NEC meeting would proceed despite INEC’s objections. Damagum quickly disowned Ologunagba’s statement, calling it premature and unauthorized.

He accused the publicity secretary of undermining the party’s decision-making process; therefore, he warned that unilateral actions might deepen internal divisions and cause conflict.

Following this, Damagum led a senior PDP delegation to meet INEC officials on Tuesday, aiming to clarify the national secretary’s current status and seek official guidance.

Furthermore, Damagum emphasized that dialogue is essential; thus, it can help navigate the party’s challenges and ensure compliance with electoral law while maintaining unity.

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged the leadership dispute’s complexity, noting conflicting letters from individuals claiming to be PDP secretary.

Yakubu stressed that resolving this ambiguity is essential for proper communication and will influence the NEC meeting’s legitimacy and approval.

Following the meeting, Damagum announced plans to convene a broader stakeholders’ forum, so that they can decide on the NEC meeting’s future.

He described politics as dynamic and pragmatic, promising swift communication of the party’s position after thorough consultation.

Meanwhile, Ologunagba maintained his stance that the meeting would hold, highlighting ongoing tensions within PDP leadership.

This internal conflict exposes deeper fractures within Nigeria’s main opposition party. As June 30 approaches, all eyes remain on PDP’s ability to resolve its leadership crisis and present a united front. The outcome will significantly impact the party’s cohesion and readiness for future political challenges.