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Tag: Debo Ologunagba

  • PDP announces date, venue for national convention

    PDP announces date, venue for national convention

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed the party’s elective national convention to elect new national officers for November 15 and November 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The NEC disclosed this in a communique issued after its 101st meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who read the communique said that the PDP national chairman and national secretary had been directed to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the national convention.

    “Accordingly, NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent and credible elective national convention,” he said.

    Ologunagba further stated that NEC also directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the party’s platform but who had defected to another political party.

    “By virtue of the self-executory provisions of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.

    “The NEC expresses serious concern and frowns at the reported participation and involvement of some party members in the activities, meetings and gatherings of another political party.

    “The NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP, especially as the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time.

    “The NEC reassures such members of the successes recorded so far towards addressing their concerns on issues relating to our Party,” he said.

    Ologunagba added that the NEC re-assured party members and Nigerians that PDP remained a strong, united and focused political party, repositioned to effectively play its leading opposition role in galvanising all efforts toward rescuing power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    He also disclosed that the NEC’s  102nd meeting had been fixed for Aug. 25.

  • PDP releases timetable for zonal congress

    PDP releases timetable for zonal congress

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released the time table for its 2025 Zonal Congress to elect new Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) and National Ex-officio members of the party.

    According to a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, Monday in Abuja, the North East, South East and South South Zonal congresses will hold on Feb. 22, 2025.

    Ologunagba also said that the appeal on zonal congresses would hold on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025

    He said that the zonal congresses for the North Central and South West zones would hold on March 22, 2025, while March 26 was set aside for appeals.

    Ologunagba said that the timetable was approved by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    He said that the decision of the NWC at its 592nd meeting followed the expiration of the tenures of the current Zonal Executives in the South south, South East, South West, North Central and North East Zones.

    According to Ologunagba, the sale of forms for all ZWC positions and national ex- officio for the South South, South East, South West, North Central and North East would commence on Nov. 18 and end on Dec.18.

    “Last day for submission of already purchased and completed Expression of Interest and nomination forms to directorate of organization and mobilisation is on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

    “Screening of aspirants at the zonal headquarters on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Screening Appeal at the Zonal Headquarters – Saturday, February 1, 2025. Publication of cleared Aspirants – Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025,” he said.

    Ologunagba added that publication of delegate lists would take place on Thursday, Feb.13, 2025.

    He advised all intending aspirants to contact the directorate of organisation and mobilisation or directorate of finance at the PDP National Secretariat for all applicable fees and other enquiries.

    He urged all leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the party to remain united and continue to work hard for the progress of the party.

  • PDP clarifies ongoing membership drive

    PDP clarifies ongoing membership drive

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says its ongoing membership drive and registration is for new members, not for existing members.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba made the clarification in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Ologunagba said that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had received reports that some existing members of PDP in some wards in certain states were being requested to revalidate their membership in the ongoing exercise.

    “The NWC in clear terms clarifies that the ongoing membership drive and registration of new members is only targeted at providing opportunity and access to eligible Nigerians, who are enthusiastic and surging in their millions to register as members of our party across the country.

    “The NWC further clarifies that the membership status, rights and privileges of already existing members remain valid and in no way whatsoever affected by the membership drive.

    “Consequently, no existing member is expected or required to have his or her membership revalidated, as such individuals remain bona-fide members of the party and not subject to any form of revalidation,” he said.

    The National Publicity Secretary advised all party members and officers, especially at all electoral wards across the country to take note and be guided accordingly.

    He acknowledged the continuing influx of millions of Nigerians into the party in the ongoing PDP membership drive exercise across the country.

    Ologunagba urged all members to continue to work together in the drive to further strengthen the party for the task ahead.

  • PDP directs members to withdraw all intra-party court cases

    PDP directs members to withdraw all intra-party court cases

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday in Abuja directed all intra-party litigants to withdraw their court cases.

    The party gave the directive in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba after the party’s National Working Committee’s (NWC) 578th meeting.

    Ologunagba stated that the committee gave the directive after thoroughly reviewing the current state of the party.

    He added that the directive was issued by the party’s NWC pursuant to the Constitution of the PDP as amended in 2017 and in line with the spirit of unity and reconciliation.

    “The NWC urges all party leaders, critical stakeholders and members to remain united and continue to promote the values for which the PDP is known as a truly democratic party,’’ he stated.

    Ologunagba added that the NWC also considered and approved the report of the Establishment Committee for the appointment of a substantive director-general of the PDP’s Peoples Democratic Institute.

  • PDP confident in Supreme Court for election appeal

    PDP confident in Supreme Court for election appeal

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence in the Supreme Court to deliver justice as it commences the hearing of the 2023 Presidential Election Appeal today.
    In a press statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, conveyed the party’s belief that the issues surrounding the February 2023 Presidential election will be granted a fair hearing through the Supreme Court.
    “Nigerians and indeed the whole world look forward to the Supreme Court for justice in the hope that the Court will apply the laws, including the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines and Regulations in delivering substantial justice in the matter.
    “Nigerians are therefore optimistic in hoping that the Supreme Court will dispense substantial Justice according to law and fact in the Appeal,” the PDP spokesperson said.
    Ologunagba further expressed hope that the Supreme Court will use the PDP’s case to reaffirm the principle that the Judiciary is the ultimate refuge for the common man.

  • Anyanwu remains PDP National Secretary – NWC

    Anyanwu remains PDP National Secretary – NWC

    The National  Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party’s candidate in the Nov. 11 Imo State Governorship election, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu will remain the party National Secretary.

    The party made the clarification in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Friday.

    Ologunagba said that the attention of the NWC of PDP had been drawn to a statement by a group mischievously purporting that the NWC had relieved Anyanwu of his elected position as national secretary.

    “The NWC states In very clear terms that the claim by the group is completely false as the NWC did not at any time relieve or contemplate to relieve the National Secretary, Anyanwu of his position.

    “The NWC therefore strongly condemns the action of this group which is obviously the handiwork of those who intend to embarrass, cause disaffection and division in our party in their attempt to distract the PDP, our candidate, Anyanwu and the people of Imo State in the quest to rescue the State from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The NWC states and cautions that no matter how strongly an individual or group feels about an issue, resorting to fabrications, lies and claiming of a non-existent decision by the NWC is highly condemnable, “ Ologunagba said.

    He urged Nigerians, particularly PDP teeming members and supporters in Imo to disregard the said false claims as Anyanwu remains the PDP national secretary and candidate of the party in the Nov. 11, Governorship election.

    “The NWC charges the PDP in Imo to remain united, focused, at alert and continue to resist the antics of suppressive forces which are bent at distracting our Party in the march to victory on Nov. 11,” Ologunagba said.

  • PDP blasts Tinubu’s economic policies

    PDP blasts Tinubu’s economic policies

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, are creating disconnection between the Federal Government and the citizens.

    The PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Monday.

    Ologunagba questioned the sensitivity of the government toward the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially on the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.

    He said that the policies had resulted in unbearable high cost of living, crippled the national productivity, crashed millions of businesses and sparked massive job loss with attendant escalated poverty, hunger, insecurity and hopelessness in the country.

    “The situation has snowballed into a dangerous loss of investors’ confidence with international companies exiting our nation and leaving millions of Nigerians stranded in the labour market.

    “This has a crippling effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are the real drivers of our national economy,” Ologunagba said.

    He said that in the last two months, over 150 million Nigerians could no longer afford daily meals with families going to bed on empty stomach.

    He faulted the governments palliatives on fuel subsidy removal, especially the distribution of an average of 1,200 bags of rice to Nigerians in each state of the country, saying it was inadequate.

  • PDP vehemently condemns petrol price hike

    PDP vehemently condemns petrol price hike

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said the increase in the price of petrol to N617 per liter is excessive, unacceptable and unjustified.

    The PDP made its stand known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “Our party insists that the N617 per liter of fuel is excessive, unacceptable and cannot be justified under any guise. This is especially given the economic potentials and prospects within our country,” he said.

    Ologunagba added that even with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the PDP maintained that fuel should not be sold for more than N150 per liter in Nigeria.

    He said that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, national comparative advantage and expanded value chain in refining capacity, the price should not be more than N150.

    Ologunagba said that the rising cost of fuel has worsened the economic conditions of Nigerians, and charged the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration to seek ways to stabilise and grow the economy.

    The national publicity secretary also said that the PDP was alarmed over the fall in the value of naira.

    He explained that the situation had forced businesses and production to shut down, make citizens lose their jobs and crippled commercial and social activities.

    According to him, millions of families can no longer afford their daily needs as the cost of food, medication and other essential goods and services continue to skyrocket.

    The PDP scribe said that this was not the country that Nigerians yearned and voted for.

    He dismissed the argument of market forces and comparison of price of fuel in Nigeria with other countries, saying that the countries being mentioned have functional infrastructure, transportation system and energy.

    The PDP national publicity secretary added that the currencies of such countries were very strong while their citizens earn far higher than what obtains in Nigeria.

  • Presidential Tribunal: PDP raises alarm of plot to influence outcome of petitions

    Presidential Tribunal: PDP raises alarm of plot to influence outcome of petitions

    As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal holds pre-hearing today, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm about a plot to influence the outcome of the petitions before the presidential election petition tribunal.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba raised the alarm at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

    He called on the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duties in the pending petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as an independent and impartial arbiter.

    Ologunagba also called on the judiciary to insulate itself against alleged plot to hinder it from independently discharging its Constitutional duties on the presidential election petitions before it.

    He said there were allegations in the public space of attempts by certain political leaders to compromise the judiciary with heavy financial inducement and to orchestrate trumped-up allegations of impropriety against judicial officers.

    He advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against steps to hinder the ability of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to dispense justice in the matter in accordance with the law.

    “The only way to guarantee peace, unity and stability of our nation is to uphold the will of the people as expressed at the Polling Units in the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.

    “The PDP is confident in the ability of the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duties in this regard independently,” Ologunagba said.

  • Expelled Nnamani remains adamant, says he is still in PDP

    Expelled Nnamani remains adamant, says he is still in PDP

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the expulsion of former Governor of Enugu State, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, and six others from the party.

    The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Friday.

    The six others expelled from the party, according to Ologunagba, are Chris Ogbu (Imo State), Ajijola Oladimeji (Ekiti Central), Olayinka Olalere (Ekiti Central II), Fayose John (Ekiti Central I), Akerele Oluyinka (Ekiti North I) and Emiola Adenike Jennifer (Ekiti South II).

    He said that the seven members were expelled for anti-party activities and other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

    Ologunagba said that the expulsion of Nnamani, who is currently representing Enugu Central senatorial district at the Senate, and six others was approved by the NEC at it 66th meeting on Friday.

    “The decision of the NWC is sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).’’

    Ologunagba said that the expulsion took effective from Friday, Feb. 10.

    He charged all PDP members across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of the party to rescue, rebuild and redirect the nation.

    Meanwhile, Nnamani, in a swift reaction, described his expulsion as a nullity, saying the NWC has no powers to suspend or expel him from the party.

    Nnamani, in a letter to the party, through his Counsel, Olusegun Jolaawo, said that the NWC did not follow due process and strict compliance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution.

    The counsel said that based on Articles 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution, no organ of the party, including the NWC, has the competence to entertain any question of discipline against Nnamani.

    He said only a properly constituted National Executive Committee of the party could entertain such question of discipline against him.

    My expulsion a nullity, Sen. Nnamani blasts PDP

    Meanwhile, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani (PDP-Enugu) has said he is still in the PDP in spite of his purported suspension by the NWC.

    Nnamani, who represents Enugu-East at the National Assembly said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the NWC had no powers to suspend or expel him from the party.

    Nnamani, also a former governor of Enugu State said the NWC did not follow due process in suspending him from the party as it was not in compliance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution.

    “The NWC lack powers to suspend or expel me from the party as a member of the National Assembly,” he said.

    Nnamani said that he was neither invited nor given the opportunity to be heard before the decision against him was taken.

    He said that going by article 57(6) of the PDP constitution, the NWC lacks the requisite powers to entertain any question of discipline against him to the extent of suspending or expelling him from the party.

    Nnamani said the proceeding and decision reached at the NWC meeting on 20 Jan was both illegal and a nullity and urged the party to reconsider the action.

    ”Your proposed disciplinary hearing of Feb. 8 is wholly erected on illegality and your committee equally has no powers under the Constitution of the party to invite me for the purpose of entertaining any disciplinary matter against me,” Nnamani said.