PDP Faces Turmoil as Abdulahi, Ologunagba Clash Over Court Judgment

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged deeper into turmoil on Friday as its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disowned the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdulahi, over a contentious press conference held in Abuja.

At the press event, Abdulahi reversed the party's earlier recognition of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-backed Rivers State executive committee. He accused Ologunagba of misrepresenting the National Working Committee's (NWC) stance on critical issues, including the judgment on Rivers State congresses and the National Secretary's leadership dispute.

In a firm rebuttal, Ologunagba criticized Abdulahi's actions as unconstitutional and unauthorized. Speaking to Saturday Tribune, Ologunagba stated:

“The chairman does not have the authority to delegate someone to speak for the party when the National Publicity Secretary is available. Deputies can only act when directly authorized, 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 emphasized that all official party communications must adhere to established protocols, warning that Abdulahi’s actions could undermine the PDP’s credibility.

“The constitution must be respected,” Ologunagba added. “The National Publicity Secretary is the proper channel of communication. Abdulahi cannot act outside the constitution or the authority of the substantive officer.”

During his press briefing, Abdulahi alleged that the PDP leadership had not officially endorsed the court judgment that recognized the Ewor-led Rivers State executive.

“The NWC has not met to adopt any judgment regarding Rivers State,” Abdulahi said. “Ologunagba’s claim is false and unsubstantiated. I was directed by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, to clarify this.”

He also accused Ologunagba of unilaterally handling party crises, claiming:

“We are witnessing a situation where personal sentiment is clouding his judgment. The National Publicity Secretary cannot make pronouncements on behalf of the NWC without clearance. This is a clear deviation from protocol.”

Abdulahi further waded into the controversy over the National Secretary position, asserting that the party had recognized Senator Sam Anyanwu following a stay of execution order he obtained against an Appeal Court judgment in favor of Sunday Ude-Okoye.

This statement directly contradicts Ologunagba’s earlier stance and highlights the growing divisions within the PDP leadership.

The incident underscores the factionalism threatening the party's stability. The disputes over the Rivers State executive and National Secretary position amplify the struggle for control within the PDP hierarchy.

As the party grapples with these challenges, Ologunagba remains resolute about upholding party protocols.

“Abdulahi’s actions were misguided and unauthorized. Such behavior risks damaging the party's image and credibility,” he asserted.