The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued an official apology following the assault of The SUN correspondent, Ndubuisi Orji, by one of its staff members, Emmanuel Okoronkwo.
The incident, which occurred on Monday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the PDP Press Corps.
Addressing the matter during a press conference on Tuesday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed regret over the attack and assured the public that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
Ologunagba emphasized that Okoronkwo acted independently, outside the bounds of his duties, and that the party remains committed to the principles of press freedom and democracy.
"The leadership of the PDP has received a very disturbing report that a staff of our party, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo, assaulted The SUN correspondent, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, locked out other accredited journalists, and prevented them from gaining access to the national secretariat to carry out their legitimate duties," Ologunagba stated.
He condemned the incident as a violation of the PDP’s principles of transparency and openness, reiterating that the party dissociates itself from acts of violence against members of the press.
"Such behavior undermines the core values of the PDP and the fundamental tenets of press freedom and democratic accountability," he added.
The PDP Press Corps, through its Chairman, Samuel Ogidan, had earlier condemned the attack, describing it as a breach of Orji’s fundamental rights and a threat to media independence.
According to eyewitness accounts, Okoronkwo prevented Orji from entering the premises and later attacked him near his parked vehicle. Private security guards intervened to stop the assault.
Ologunagba clarified that the PDP National Secretariat was closed for the holiday season but noted that journalists were still allowed access to conduct their professional duties.
He emphasized that Okoronkwo had no authority to regulate movement at the premises and acted against the party’s code of conduct.
“The PDP regrets this incident and assures the press, particularly members of the PDP Press Corps, of its unwavering respect and partnership in fostering accountability, probity, and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has pledged to handle the matter in line with the party's established code of conduct for its staff.
The party assured that disciplinary actions would be taken to prevent future occurrences and uphold its commitment to democratic values.
The incident highlights the importance of press freedom in Nigeria’s democratic process and the necessity for political parties to ensure their staff uphold these principles in all engagements.