Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has been temporarily relieved of his position by
a Benue High Court on Monday. The court 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 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 deference to the court order.
The PDP NWC took the decision at an emergency meeting, yesterday.
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.”
I’m taking office to fulfill all righteousness — Damagum
Speaking on his new role, 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.”
