The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended two of its prominent officers, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. The decision comes as the party grapples with deepening internal divisions, with Ologunagba and Ajibade playing central roles in recent calls for the PDP’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to uphold the party’s constitution in its operations.
The announcement, made by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, in the early hours of Friday, follows a high-level meeting of the NWC. A statement issued by Nnorom indicated that a committee has been established to investigate the concerns raised against the suspended officials, with the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, named as chair of the inquiry.
“The NWC, arising from its 593rd meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside,” the statement read. It further confirmed that their deputies, Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha, will assume the roles of Acting National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Legal Adviser, respectively, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The move to suspend these two high-ranking officials underscores the party’s ongoing struggle to maintain internal cohesion. Both Ologunagba and Ajibade have been vocal in demanding that the leadership adhere more closely to the party’s constitutional framework—a stance that has apparently led to their removal from office, at least temporarily.
As the PDP continues to wrestle with internal strife, the NWC has urged party members and supporters to remain focused. The outcome of this investigation, led by Arapaja’s committee, will likely shape the future leadership dynamics within the party.
“We enjoin all leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our great party to remain committed as we pilot the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good,” the statement concluded.
