Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has disowned recent comments by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, describing them as unauthorised and not reflective of the official position of the party.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will, today at 2.30 p.m., meet with the PDP leadership in the INEC Conference Hall, Abuja, amid the controversy arising from the commission’s recent rejection of a notice for the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Damagun distanced the PDP leadership from remarks made by Ologunagba during a recent media engagement concerning the 100th NEC meeting and correspondence from INEC.

“Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party,” Damagun said.

He further clarified that the remarks were premature, coming ahead of a scheduled meeting between PDP leaders, stakeholders and INEC officials, today, to address issues raised in a letter sent by the electoral body to the party.

Describing the development as “shocking and unfortunate,” Damagun expressed dismay that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without consultation with party leadership or adherence to internal processes.

“The view expressed by Ologunagba is entirely his personal opinion and do not represent the official position of the PDP,” he emphasised.

Damagun also noted that this was not the first time the publicity secretary had acted unilaterally, warning that such behaviour undermines the collective decision-making structures of the party.

Reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to constitutional processes, Damagun assured that the party would conduct its 100th NEC meeting in accordance with its internal regulations and democratic standards, but only through proper coordination and consensus.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, disclosed the notice of the meeting between the commission and the PDP leadership in an invitation message to journalists, yesterday.

While the official agenda of the meeting has yet to be disclosed, it may not be unconnected to INEC’s recent rejection of the PDP’s notice for the 100th NEC meeting.

One of the major points of contention has been the leadership tussle over the National Secretary position between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.

Anyanwu, who left the position to contest the Imo State governorship election and lost, has since attempted to return to the office. In his absence, the South-East Caucus of the party nominated Ude-Okoye to occupy the role.