PDP Gets New National Chairman - Confirms, The Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Illiya Damagum, As Acting National Chairman

A Benue High Court on Monday ordered Ayu to stop parading himself as national chairman of the PDP pending determination of the suit before it.

The National Working Committee, NWC of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acting on the order, yesterday, confirmed its Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Illiya Damagum, as acting national chairman after Ayu, stepped aside in honor to the court order. 

The PDP NWC took the decision at an emergency meeting, yesterday reports the Vanguard news.

Ayu will cease to function as national chairman until the court says otherwise.

Stakeholders in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who want the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to quit the position, have succeeded, at least in the interim.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the development in a statement shortly after the meeting.

He said: “The NWC at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 acknowledged the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the chairmanship position of our great party.

“After careful consideration of the Court Order and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency, Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the National Chairmanship of our party in acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and united at this critical time.”

Amb. Damagum told reporters that he was stepping into the position to act as chairman “to fulfill all righteousness” because of a court order restraining Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from parading himself as national chairman.

He said: “We are here to fulfill all righteousness, we have a court order restraining our national chairman and we are law-abiding

“I will be here with you in acting capacity pending the determination of the court. I want to use this opportunity to enjoin you to give me the cooperation as we all used to have with you.

“I will have a meeting immediately after this session with the NWC to review what is happening in the party.”