The Deputy National Chairman (North)of the People’s Democratic party PDP Amb. Umar Illiya Damagum has been appointed as the acting national chairman of the party.
The National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP at it’s emergency meeting yesterday stated the decision became necessary based on the judicial order which directed the National Chairman,Dr Iyorchia Ayu to step aside.
Ayu will cease to function as national chairman until the court says otherwise.
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
National Publicity Secretary of the party, 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”
The acting Chairman,Amb. Damagum told Journalists 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.”