The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and Legal Adviser, Kamarudeen Ajibade, over charges of insubordination and disloyalty.
Acting National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, announced the suspension during a press conference in Abuja on Friday. He stated that the decision was taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) during a meeting on Thursday.
Abdullahi explained that the NWC held a vote on the matter, with eight members supporting the suspension and four opposing it. The suspension was prompted by actions that contradicted the party’s position on the recently concluded Local Government Election in Rivers State.
He dismissed claims that the suspension was politically motivated or influenced by external forces. “There’s nobody who induced us to do what we are doing,” Abdullahi stated, refuting rumors that the Damagum-led NWC was under pressure to suspend the officers.
The suspension is part of the party’s broader efforts to address internal disputes. Abdullahi highlighted that the PDP, with over two decades of political experience, has the mechanisms to resolve its issues. He also noted that the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) had urged the NWC to address key concerns, including those relating to nationwide congresses and the situation in Rivers State.
The suspended officers will face an investigation lasting two weeks, and if found innocent, they will be reinstated. Abdullahi assured that the PDP remains unified and confident about resolving the crisis, stating, “Rivers is still a PDP state. Governor Siminlaye Fubara has not indicated any intention to leave the party, and we believe something positive will emerge from this situation.”