Rift in PDP deepens

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) internal discord went up a notch on Friday as its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdulahi, was disowned by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following a controversial press conference held by Abdulahi on Friday.

At the press event in Abuja, Abdulahi retracted the party’s earlier endorsement of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-backed executive committee in Rivers State.

He also accused Ologunagba of misrepresenting the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) on key party issues, including the judgement on Rivers State congresses and the leadership of the party’s National Secretary.

In a swift rebuttal, Ologunagba asserted that Abdulahi lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the party unless explicitly directed by him, the substantive National Publicity Secretary, or in his absence.

Speaking to Saturday Tribune, Ologunagba clarified that he was present in Abuja and had not authorised Abdulahi to address the media on any matter.

“The chairman does not have the authority to delegate someone to speak for the party when the National Publicity Secretary is available.

“The constitution is very clear: deputies can only act when directly authorised, and this was not the case here. Abdulahi cannot act independently, nor can he claim to represent the NWC, as he is not a member of that body,” Ologunagba stated.

He emphasised that all official party communications must follow established protocols, reiterating that he remains the sole authority for public statements unless otherwise directed.

During the press briefing, Abdulahi alleged that the PDP national leadership had not officially accepted the court judgement recognising the Ewor-led Rivers State executive committee.

He disputed Ologunagba’s earlier announcement that the NWC had endorsed the judgement, claiming that no NWC meeting had been convened since September 2024.

“The NWC has not met to adopt any judgement regarding Rivers State.

“Ologunagba’s claim is false and unsubstantiated. I was directed by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, to clarify this,” Abdulahi said.

Abdulahi also criticised Ologunagba’s approach to handling party crises, accusing him of acting unilaterally and allowing personal biases to influence his role.

“We are witnessing a situation where personal sentiment is clouding his judgement.

“The National Publicity Secretary cannot make pronouncements on behalf of the NWC without clearance. This is a clear deviation from protocol,” Abdulahi said.

On the controversy surrounding the party’s National Secretary position, he claimed the PDP had recognised Senator Sam Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary following a stay of execution order he obtained against an Appeal Court judgement affirming Sunday Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position.

This assertion contradicts Ologunagba’s earlier stance, further highlighting the growing divisions within the party’s leadership.

Ologunagba reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding its constitution and protocols.

He insisted that Abdulahi’s actions were misguided and could undermine the party’s credibility.

“The constitution must be respected,” Ologunagba said.

“The National Publicity Secretary is the proper channel of communication. Abdulahi cannot act outside the constitution or the authority of the substantive officer.”

The incident is the latest manifestation of the factionalism plaguing the PDP, with disputes over the Rivers State executive committee and the National Secretary position amplifying tensions.

The public disagreement between the party’s spokespersons underscores a deeper struggle for control within the party’s hierarchy.

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