The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for calm and restraint among its members amidst ongoing internal conflicts. Addressing the press today at the National Secretariat in Abuja, the party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, clarified recent leadership changes and expressed concern over attempts to destabilize the party.
During the briefing, Manga condemned actions he described as harmful to the party’s corporate existence, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the collective good over personal interests. “This is a clarion call to ensure that the PDP is not destroyed due to avoidable conflicts,” he stated, emphasizing that leadership must be guided by the party’s constitution and not individual sentiments.
The PDP’s leadership crisis escalated after the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. The suspension follows allegations of “abuse of office and insubordination,” prompting the National Working Committee (NWC) to set up a 4-man investigative committee chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South), H.E. Amb Taofeek Arapaja.
Manga, alongside Acting National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, assumed their roles following the NWC’s decision at its 593rd meeting on October 10, 2024. The acting spokesperson underscored that their appointments were constitutional, citing Sections 40(2) and 42(2) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
Manga refuted claims that their assumption of office was unconstitutional, expressing disappointment over what he described as misinformation spread by some party leaders on national media. “It is distasteful for leaders who ought to inform, to instead misinform on a national platform,” Manga said.
While not delving into the specifics of the allegations against the suspended officers, Manga called on party members to respect due process and allow the investigation to proceed without further rancor. He criticized what he termed the “motor park” approach of certain individuals in responding to the suspension, warning that the party may seek law enforcement intervention if the situation continues to deteriorate.
Manga commended the efforts of key party figures, including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, for seeking a swift and amicable resolution to the crisis.
In his closing remarks, Manga urged party members to remain focused and supportive of the PDP’s leadership under Acting National Chairman, H.E. Amb Umar Iliya Damagum, as the party works towards resolving its internal challenges.
“Long live the PDP! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” he concluded.
