The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged into a deeper internal crisis on Friday after its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdulahi, was publicly disputed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. The disagreement, which has exposed significant divisions within the party, stems from a press conference held by Abdulahi in Abuja.
Dispute Over Rivers State Executive Committee
The PDP’s national publicity secretary and his deputy clashed over statements by Abdullahi that directly contradicted Ologunagba’s previous assertions. At a press briefing, Abdullahi reversed the party’s endorsement of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-supported executive committee in Rivers State. He also accused Ologunagba of misrepresenting the National Working Committee’s (NWC) position on several key issues, including a court ruling on Rivers State congresses and the party’s national secretary’s leadership.
Ologunagba rejected Abdulahi’s assertions, basing his defense on the party’s constitution. He argued that Abdulahi lacked the authority to speak for the party without explicit approval, stating to the Saturday Tribune, “The chairman does not have the authority to delegate someone to speak for the party when the National Publicity Secretary is available.” Ologunagba emphasized that party communications must follow established constitutional protocols.
Allegations of Unilateral Action
Abdulahi accused the PDP leadership of failing to adopt a court ruling that validated the Ewor-led Rivers State executive committee. He also contradicted Ologunagba’s earlier statement that the NWC had endorsed the judgment, claiming no NWC meeting had occurred since September 2024.
“The NWC has not met to adopt any judgment regarding Rivers State. Ologunagba’s claim is false and unsubstantiated,” Abdulahi alleged, adding that he was acting on the directive of the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum.
Additionally, Abdulahi criticized Ologunagba’s handling of internal disputes, accusing him of unilateral decision-making influenced by personal biases. “We are witnessing a situation where personal sentiment is clouding his judgment,” Abdulahi said.
Leadership and National Secretary Dispute
Abdullahi further added to the controversy by claiming that the PDP had recognized Senator Sam Anyanwu as the National Secretary, citing a stay of execution order against a previous Appeal Court ruling favoring Sunday Ude-Okoye. This statement directly contradicted earlier remarks by Ologunagba, further highlighting the ongoing leadership rift.
Ologunagba’s Response
In his rebuttal, Ologunagba hammered on the need for strict adherence to the party’s constitution. “The National Publicity Secretary is the proper channel of communication,” he said. “Abdulahi cannot act outside the constitution or the authority of the substantive officer.” He warned that Abdulahi’s actions could harm the PDP’s credibility, emphasizing that deputies could only act when expressly authorized.
“The constitution must be respected. Abdulahi’s independent actions are a violation of party rules,” Ologunagba concluded.
Bottom Line
The feud between Abdulahi and Ologunagba exposes a broader crisis within the PDP’s leadership, particularly as the party struggles to maintain unity amid legal disputes and conflicting internal narratives. Whether the PDP can resolve these tensions remains to be seen, but the public airing of grievances threatens to erode confidence in the party’s ability to manage its affairs effectively.
