The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) has dropped the embattled National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, appointing Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba made the disclosure after the emergency meeting of the NWC on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
The removal of Ayu is in line with the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023.
“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 an acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.”
Umar replaces Iyorchia Ayu who was suspended by his ward in Benue State for anti-party activities. The court thereafter restrained him from parading as the chairman of the party pending the determination of the substantive suit which has been adjourned to April 17, 2023, for a hearing.
The plaintiff Terhide Utaan, obtained the order before Justice W. I Kpochi, stopping Ayu from parading himself as the National Chairman of PDP.
The plaintiff after obtaining the court order told journalists that following Ayu’s suspension by his Igyorov Ward Exco, it was wrong for him to continue as the PDP chair. He argued that such a move will further cause chaos.
Before his suspension, there were calls for Ayu to leave the post. In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections – which the PDP lost to the ruling All Progressives Congress – a group of governors in the party called G5 repeatedly demanded his resignation from the position.
Led by Governor Nyesom Wike, the G5 argued that since the party’s presidential candidate for the election Atiku Abubakar is from northern Nigeria – Ayu – who is from the same region – should pave the way for a southerner to assume the office.
The G5 argued members, who worked against Atiku, hinged their decision on fairness and equity.
