The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the appointment of Amb. Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman, following a court order restraining Sen. Iyorchia Ayu from the position. The Party National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, announced the announcement at a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) acknowledged the Order of the Benue High Court on March 27, which affected the party’s chairmanship position. After considering the court ruling and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that Damagum assumes the party’s national chairmanship in an acting capacity from Tuesday, March 28.
Damagum confirmed that he would be in an acting capacity until the court makes a final determination on the matter. He also said he would meet with the NWC immediately after the press conference to check what was happening within the party.
In response to questions about Ayu’s presence in the office earlier in the morning, Damagum clarified that Ayu was not there to chair any meeting but might have come to pick up his belongings. When asked about his agenda, particularly concerning the suspension of some party members, Damagum stated that the NWC would meet on Wednesday to discuss and review it.
Other members of the NWC present at the press briefing were the National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu; National Youth Leader, Mohammed Suleiman; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; National Legal Adviser, Kamarudeen Ajibade; and National Treasurer, Ahmed Mohammed.
