A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has called on the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyasu Damagum, and his supporters to respect the party’s constitution and desist from actions that could destabilize the party.
Speaking to North-Central stakeholders and youths in Abuja on Thursday, Ologbondiyan emphasized that respecting the party’s constitution is crucial for addressing internal issues and positioning the PDP to play a key role in fixing Nigeria.
He stressed that the stability of the PDP is essential for addressing Nigeria’s challenges, and that the solution to resolving the lingering crisis within the party lies in adhering to the succession arrangements outlined in Section 47 (6) of the party’s Constitution (2017 Amendment).
Ologbondiyan urged party leaders to prioritize the broader interests of the PDP and confront uncomfortable truths where necessary. He criticized attempts to undermine or destabilize the party, reminding members that the PDP was established as a people-oriented organization, not the property of any individual.
According to Ologbondiyan, Damagum must respect the party’s constitutional framework, which reflects the collective will of its organs. He noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to address the demands of the North Central at the 99th meeting scheduled for August, but repeated postponements by the National Working Committee (NWC) have disrupted this process.
Ologbondiyan called on PDP leaders to ensure the November 28 NEC meeting holds as planned, warning against further delays. He stressed that the North Central region must not abandon its rightful demand for the National Chairmanship of the party, as doing so would be a betrayal of their legitimate expectations within the PDP.
He urged stakeholders to demand that Damagum return to his elected position as Deputy National Chairman (North) to restore order and avoid deepening lawlessness within the party. “As long as Damagum continues to occupy the position meant for the North Central, efforts to fix the PDP will remain superficial and may cause further harm to the party,” Ologbondiyan concluded.
