Darlington Okpebholo Ray reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Acting National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, held a press briefing today at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, calling for calm amid internal party tensions. This follows the suspension of two senior party officials, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, the National Legal Adviser.
Speaking to journalists, Manga expressed concern over what he described as “vituperation” and “avoidable conflicts” within the party, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the unity of the PDP. Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he emphasized that “Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other,” underscoring the need for party actions to be guided by its constitution rather than personal interests.
Manga reminded the press that his assumption of office as Acting National Publicity Secretary, alongside Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha as Acting National Legal Adviser, followed a decision by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) at its 593rd meeting on October 10, 2024. He explained that the duo had been temporarily suspended to allow an investigation committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South), H.E. Amb Taofeek Arapaja, to look into allegations of “abuse of office and insubordination” against them.
“This is not the first time we’ve seen such incidents,” Manga stated, noting that both suspended officials are senior lawyers who have participated in suspensions of their colleagues in the past. He questioned why the suspended officers would refuse to submit to the same investigative process they once upheld, asking, “Why kill our great Party due to the collective decision of your colleagues?”
Manga clarified that the purpose of the press briefing was not to delve into the details of the suspensions but to call for restraint. He urged all concerned parties to uphold the PDP’s reputation as the major opposition party in Nigeria, which he described as the “hope of Nigerians for a better tomorrow,” in contrast to the APC government.
Addressing misinformation circulating in the media, Manga stressed that his and Osuoha’s appointments as acting officers were in full compliance with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended). He rejected claims that their roles were unconstitutional, calling such statements misleading.
Manga also criticized the response of some suspended officers, accusing them of resorting to what he described as a “motor pack” approach. He warned that, if necessary, the party would involve security agencies to enforce compliance with a subsisting court order.
In conclusion, Manga commended the interventions of key party leaders, including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the PDP Governors’ Forum, who are working toward an amicable resolution of the crisis. He called on PDP members to remain focused and continue supporting the leadership of Acting National Chairman, H.E. Amb Umar Iliya Damagum, as the party works toward resolving its internal issues.
“Long live the PDP! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” Manga concluded.
