Kola Ologbondiyan, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for Umar Damagun, the party’s acting National Chairman, to step down. Ologbondiyan believes that Damagun’s resignation is essential for addressing and resolving the internal conflicts currently plaguing the PDP.
In a recent interview, Ologbondiyan argued that Damagun’s departure would facilitate much-needed reforms and help restore stability within the party.
Ologbondiyan’s request reflects concerns from several party members, including a significant group of 60 House of Representatives members.
These members have accused Damagun of being excessively aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which they believe has compromised his effectiveness as a neutral leader. They have also expressed their frustration and urged Damagun to resign to allow for a fresh start.
Ologbondiyan has placed the blame for the party’s current difficulties squarely on Damagun’s shoulders. He argues that the acting chairman’s departure is crucial for the PDP to reestablish itself as a strong and effective opposition force. According to Ologbondiyan, the party’s ability to challenge the ruling APC effectively has been hampered by internal strife and leadership issues that Damagun’s resignation could help alleviate.
Additionally, Ologbondiyan suggested that Damagun should return to his previous position as Deputy National Chairman (North). He believes that this move would allow the party to appoint a new national chairman from the North-Central region.
Ologbondiyan emphasized that the North-Central zone has been without a chairmanship position since the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu. He argues that the lack of representation from this region has exacerbated the party’s internal problems.
As a former spokesperson for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization during the 2023 election, Ologbondiyan has a deep understanding of the PDP’s internal dynamics. He believes that genuine reconciliation and progress within the party can only occur if the leadership issue is addressed and a new chairman from the North-Central region is appointed. Ologbondiyan insists that this step is crucial for healing the party’s divisions and moving forward effectively.
“There is no debating the fact that for the PDP to achieve its objectives, it must follow a course of justice and fairness,” Ologbondiyan stated. “Damagun has assumed the responsibilities of a substantive chairman, a role that should have been filled by someone from the North-Central. If he had stepped back and allowed the North-Central to select a new chairman, many of the party’s major issues could have been resolved by now. This is an essential step towards restoring the party’s credibility and effectiveness.”
Ologbondiyan’s comments highlight the growing frustration within the PDP and the urgent need for leadership change to address the party’s challenges and restore its position as a credible opposition force in Nigerian politics.
