A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kola Ologbondiyan, has warned that the party risks further losses in the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states if Umar Damagum remains as the acting National Chairman of the party.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, Ologbondiyan stated that the only solution to avoid these setbacks was for the planned National Executive Committee meeting on November 28 to appoint a substantive National Chairman from the North Central zone, as outlined in the party’s constitution, according to NaijaNews.
Ologbondiyan criticised Damagum’s leadership, asserting that it was clear the acting Chairman had little interest in working for the success of the party.
He further warned that if the current situation persists, Damagum could ultimately lead to the party’s downfall.
He pointed to recent electoral losses, including the Ondo State governorship election, as evidence of the party’s weakening position under Damagum’s stewardship.
The ex-scribe argued that Section 47 (6) of the PDP’s 2017 amended constitution supports the election of a National Chairman from the North Central, and he emphasised that Damagum’s departure is crucial for the PDP to avoid further electoral defeats in key states like Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun, following losses in Kogi, Imo, and Ondo States.
Ologbondiyan also condemned Damagum’s leadership, calling it “reprehensible” that the Acting Chairman was overseeing the disintegration of the party.
He criticised Damagum’s apparent lack of commitment to the party’s electoral success and questioned his credibility in the face of growing allegations, including claims of a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London.
The former PDP spokesperson challenged Damagum to address the allegations and urged party leaders to take swift action to rescue the party from what he described as Damagum’s “stranglehold” and the influence of his supporters.
“It is reprehensible that the Acting National Chairman is supervising the dishevelling of the party,” he stated.
“Amb. Damagun has the least of interest in working for the suçcess of the party in any election,” he further noted.
“How can the head of the leading opposition party be accused of ‘nicodemusly’ meeting with the President of the ruling government, and he would have no response to provide?” Ologbondiyan asked while challenging party leaders to rescue the PDP from the stranglehold of Damagum and his backers.
