PDP Suspends National Publicity Secretary And Legal Adviser

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. This decision comes amid ongoing internal tensions within the party, which have been brewing since 2023. Ologunagba and Ajibade had recently been vocal in urging National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to ensure that the party’s operations strictly adhere to its constitution.

The suspension was revealed in a statement issued early Friday by PDP’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom. According to the statement, the party has established an investigative committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to probe the concerns raised against the two officers. The move was made in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

The statement partly reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arising from its 593rd Meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside.”

The NWC further directed the respective deputies of the suspended officers to take over in an acting capacity. Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga was appointed as Acting National Publicity Secretary, while Okechukwu Osuoha assumed the role of Acting National Legal Adviser, both effective from Friday, October 11, 2024.

In the statement, the NWC urged party leaders, stakeholders, and members to remain focused and committed as the committee conducts its investigation, and as the party continues to manage its day-to-day affairs. This move reflects the PDP’s intention to resolve its internal disputes while adhering to its constitutional guidelines.