PDP Affirms June 30 NEC Meeting, Debunks Report on Publicity Secretary’s Alleged Unauthorized Statement

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold as scheduled on Monday, June 30, 2025, following confusion stirred by a statement allegedly issued by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illya Damagum.

The controversy arose after media reports claimed that Damagum distanced the National Working Committee (NWC) from remarks made by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, during a press interaction on June 22. In that session, Ologunagba had reiterated the party’s decision to convene the landmark 100th NEC meeting at the end of the month.

Responding to the claims, the NWC issued a statement on June 25, making it clear that Ologunagba’s comments were not only accurate but were also made with the full authority and backing of the committee. The NWC emphasized that the decision to hold the 100th NEC meeting on June 30 was unanimously adopted during the 99th NEC meeting held on May 27, 2025. That decision, the committee noted, was publicly declared by the Acting National Chairman in the official communiqué following the meeting.

“The scheduling of the 100th NEC meeting is not in dispute,” the statement read. “It is a binding resolution of the NEC, the highest decision-making body of our party, and all party organs, officers, and chapters are expected to comply.”

The statement was jointly signed by key members of the NWC, including Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Acting National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo; National Auditor, Sir Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba; National Financial Secretary, Dr. Woyengikuro Daniel; National Woman Leader, Hon. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm; National Vice Chairman (South East), High Chief Ali Odefa; Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South), Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi; and National Vice Chairman (South West), Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese.

With this clarification, the PDP aims to put to rest any perceived internal disagreements and proceed with preparations for the crucial 100th NEC meeting, a significant milestone in the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its internal cohesion ahead of future national engagements.