Abuja, October 14, 2024 – In a press briefing held at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, the Acting National Publicity Secretary, addressed the ongoing conflict within the party, calling for caution and restraint to preserve the unity of the PDP.
Speaking to journalists in the NWC Hall, Manga condemned recent actions that he described as threats to the party’s corporate existence. He stressed the importance of adhering to the PDP Constitution and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the party, not driven by personal interests or emotions.
Manga’s address comes after the temporary suspension of National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, following allegations of “abuse of office and insubordination.” The decision was made during the party’s 593rd NWC Meeting on October 10, 2024, and a four-man committee has been tasked with investigating the allegations.
Manga urged all party members, including the suspended officials, to respect the process and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. He emphasized that the press conference was not intended to debate the suspensions’ validity but to call for peace and unity within the PDP, particularly as the party remains Nigeria’s leading opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He further expressed dismay at misinformation circulating in the media regarding the legitimacy of his and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha’s assumption of acting positions, clarifying that their appointments are constitutional under Sections 40(2) and 42(2) of the PDP Constitution.
The acting spokesperson also criticized what he termed the “motor pack” approach adopted by his colleagues in response to their suspensions and hinted at the possible involvement of security agencies to enforce party rules and uphold the law.
In closing, Manga praised the efforts of senior party leaders, including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the PDP Governors’ Forum, in seeking a resolution to the crisis. He called on all party members to remain loyal to the current leadership under Acting National Chairman H.E. Amb Umar Iliya Damagum and expressed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.
