Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria – October 14, 2024 –
Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, the newly appointed Acting National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), issued a strong call for caution in the face of ongoing internal conflicts within the party.
Speaking at a press briefing to Truth Live News and other reputable media houses at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, Manga stressed the need for unity and urged party members to avoid actions driven by personal interests, which could harm the party’s corporate existence.
Addressing members of the press, Manga described the recent developments within the PDP as “condemnable,” citing attempts to undermine the party’s stability. He emphasized that leadership in the party must adhere to the constitution and avoid being swayed by sentiments.
Manga’s remarks come on the heels of the suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, both of whom were accused of “abuse of office and insubordination.” The suspensions, decided during the 593rd meeting of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) on October 10, 2024, have caused significant uproar. A four-man committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South), H.E. Amb Taofeek Arapaja, is tasked with investigating the allegations.
“This is not the first time such an incident has occurred,” Manga noted, pointing out that both Ologunagba and Ajibade had previously supported suspensions of other party officials. He questioned why they were now resisting a process they had endorsed in the past, urging them to take advantage of the investigation process to clear their names.
While Manga refrained from taking a stance on whether the suspensions were justified, he called for restraint and focus on the party’s broader mission as the major opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Our party, the PDP, remains the hope of Nigerians for a better tomorrow, in view of the APC’s strangulating, inept, and clueless governance nationwide,” he said.
Manga also addressed misinformation being spread about the current situation, clarifying that his assumption of office, alongside the Acting National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, was constitutional and in line with Sections 40(2) and 42(2) of the PDP’s Constitution (2017 as Amended). He expressed disappointment with certain party leaders who had publicly questioned the legality of their appointments.
The acting spokesperson concluded by warning that any further violation of party protocol or court orders would be met with the enforcement of the rule
