Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a decisive move, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, for two weeks.
This action follows allegations of misconduct leveled against the two officers, marking yet another chapter in the internal power struggle plaguing the party.
Truth Live News gathered that, during the NWC meeting, 17 members gathered to deliberate on the allegations. The outcome was clear: 12 members voted in favor of the suspension, one abstained, and four opposed the decision, with the two accused officers among the opposing voters. The suspension aims to prevent interference in the investigation process.
A four-member investigative committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has been established to probe the matter. Other members of the committee include the Deputy National Secretary, the National Auditor, and the National Treasurer. Meanwhile, in accordance with party procedures, the NWC has appointed the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser to act in the roles of the suspended officers for the duration of the investigation.
While the suspensions were positioned as necessary to maintain the integrity of the party’s investigation, some within the PDP have criticized Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum. His critics, who hold minimal influence within their polling units, have accused him of being swayed by pro-Nyesom Wike sentiment. However, these critics fail to explain why similar allegations weren’t raised when Damagum’s NWC suspended South-South National Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, a key Wike ally, earlier in July 2024.
Ironically, Debo Ologunagba, one of the suspended officers, had signed the notice of Orbih’s suspension, further complicating the current narrative.
Rather than face the Disciplinary Committee, Ologunagba and Ajibade took an unexpected route. The suspended National Publicity Secretary unilaterally appointed the National Treasurer as Acting National Chairman via WhatsApp. The National Treasurer, who is also a member of the Disciplinary Committee investigating the case, shockingly accepted the role, took an oath of office, and assumed office—all through WhatsApp. This move, unprecedented in PDP’s history, has left party insiders and political observers in disbelief.
The NWC and party loyalists have expressed outrage at this flagrant violation of party protocol. Many see it as an attempt to undermine the party’s structure and set a dangerous precedent.
The Arapaja-led committee is tasked with investigating the suspended officers and recommending appropriate sanctions. With the NWC facing increasing internal tension, how this committee handles the case will be critical in preserving party discipline.
The unfolding drama within the PDP reflects deeper issues of power struggles and factional battles, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. Damagum’s efforts to keep the party united and prevent it from falling under the influence of any one faction may have won him enemies, but they also highlight his commitment to PDP’s long-term stability.
While the NWC’s actions appear decisive, the deeper question remains: Can the PDP resolve its internal divisions before the 2027 elections? Damagum’s leadership is being tested, and the public will be watching closely to see whether these actions strengthen the party or signal deeper cracks within its foundation.
Public perception is likely to hinge on whether these suspensions are viewed as part of a necessary cleanup or merely the latest symptom of growing instability within the PDP.