Kehinde Fajobi
The internal conflict within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continues to escalate as the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has clarified that the National Working Committee (NWC) has not yet convened to address the court ruling on the Rivers State Executives.
This contradicts the statement made by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, which had suggested that the party had accepted the ruling.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed concerns over Ologunagba’s recent actions, suggesting they were motivated by personal interests.
The ongoing crisis stems from the power struggle between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The disagreement over the PDP structure in Rivers State has intensified, despite failed reconciliation attempts.
Wike’s faction triumphed in the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024. Governor Fubara’s allies, however, boycotted these contests, citing a court order.
On January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court issued a restraining order that prohibited the executive committees led by Aaron Chukwuemeka—aligned with Wike—from functioning.
The court also blocked these executives from serving as PDP officers in the state.
In response to the ruling, Ologunagba issued a statement on Thursday, claiming that the PDP had accepted the court’s verdict.
He announced that the NWC recognised the group led by Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor, aligned with Governor Fubara, as the legitimate executive of the Rivers State PDP.
However, Abdullahi rejected Ologunagba’s claim, stating that the NWC had neither met nor accepted the court’s judgment regarding the Rivers State Congresses.
Abdullahi clarified, “In the manner that my colleague, Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, has been acting lately, it is becoming glaring that the party is uncomfortable with some of his recent dispositions.”
He continued, “He appears to have been speaking from both sides of his mouth. Just yesterday, under the directive of the National Chairman, I issued a disclaimer regarding his statement that the NWC had met and accepted the judgment on Rivers State Congresses.
“The NWC did not accept the judgment recognising the Ewor-led executive. That is false. The NWC has not convened since September last year. This is verifiable. So, I wonder how he can claim the NWC met and adopted the verdict.”
Abdullahi also criticised Ologunagba for making similar unauthorised statements regarding court rulings in Imo and Ebonyi States, highlighting that the Publicity Secretary does not have the authority to speak on behalf of the NWC without prior approval.
He added, “A National Publicity Secretary does not possess the authority to act independently. He cannot speak on behalf of the NWC without clearance.
“His recent actions have demonstrated a lack of adherence to protocol, which is not expected of him as a lawyer.”
Abdullahi concluded by stating that Ologunagba’s actions seemed to stem from personal sentiment, undermining the role and effectiveness of the NWC.
He stressed that all party decisions must be made through proper channels, and the Chairman must give directives before any statements are issued.