The Peoples Democratic Party’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Ilyasu Damagum, is under fire to respond to rumors of a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London. Former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan made the demand, accusing Damagum of fueling the party’s crisis by refusing to revert to his deputy national chairman position.
The latest crisis within the party has led to suspension and counter-suspensions among national leadership factions. Ologbondiyan claims Damagum’s alleged ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress are suspicious and demands clarification on the London meeting. “There’s an allegation that Damagum met with President Tinubu in London, and he hasn’t denied or confirmed it,” Ologbondiyan stated.
Ologbondiyan also disputed claims that Damagum’s suspension was improper, citing the National Working Committee’s use of virtual meetings as proof. “The NWC suspended Damagum, and they’ve been conducting virtual meetings, which could’ve been used to effect his suspension,” he said.
This development follows reports of PDP governors meeting with President Tinubu in London, sparking tensions within the party. The PDP has threatened sanctions against the governors for alleged anti-party activities, emphasizing its ability to discipline members.