National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba announcing the appointment of a new Natiional Chairman of the party
PDP appoints Damagun new National Chairman, as Ayu resigns over court order
National Working Committee (NWC) of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting, Tuesday, formally appointed the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum, as the party’s new National Chairman.
PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the move was in line ith an Order of the Benue State High Court, of Monday, which had ruled that the Iyorchia Ayu ‘should stop parading himself’ as the National Chairman of the party pending determination of the suit filed by Ward members of the party March 27, 2023 seeking his removal.
“We acknowledge the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party.
“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,” the statement by the PDP read.
Meanwhile, sequel to the Monday’s court order for his removal, the embattled Ayu, Tuesday, resigned from his position as National Chairman.
It would be recalled that a ward member of the PDP in Benue, Terhide Utaan, had obtained an order restraining Ayu from parading himself as national chairman of the party from Justice W. I Kpochi, of the federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State.
After obtaining the court order, the plaintiff spoke to journalists in Makurdi and stated that it is wrong for Ayu to continue holding the position of the national chairman and further splinter the party after being suspended by his Igyorov Ward executive committee, Sunday.
Ayu was suspended late last week for anti-party activities after the party lost the presidential election.
However, Ayu, in response claimed that the ward lacked the authority to suspend him in a statement released on Monday by his media assistant Simon Imobo-Tswam.
