Newsone reports that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has replaced its suspended National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu with one of his deputies, Amb Umar Damagum.
This online news platform understands that Damagum, who was the Deputy National Chairman (North), will occupy the seat in an acting capacity pending the determination of the substantive suit restraining Ayu from parading himself as National Chairman.
Ayu’s decision was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Debo Ologunagba, its national publicity secretary.
The statement reads thus; “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 acknowledge the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party,” the statement said.
“After a 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.”
L-R: Amb Umar Damagum and Iyorchia Ayu.
Newsone Nigeria recalls that Benue High Court sitting in Makurdi on Monday ordered Ayu to step aside following a suit filed by his Igyorov Council Ward in Gboko local government area, Benue State.
The Ward Executive Committee suspended Ayu for alleged anti-party activities and failing to pay his membership dues.