A new acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum has assumed office on Tuesday. The party said the development followed the ruling of a High Court in Benue state on Monday which sacked its National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
The party at a brief event where Damagum stepped in on Tuesday said this was in line with the court ruling saying this would be until the determination of the substantive case in court.
While addressing journalists, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, introduced the new acting chairman of the party.
The appointment follows a high court order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the party’s national chairman.
Ologunagba said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, adding that the appointment is with immediate effect.
“The PDP National Working Committee appoints Ambassador Damagum as acting National Chairman. At an emergency meeting today, Tuesday March 28, 2023, aknwoledged the order of the Benue State High Court dated march 27th, 2023 regards to the chairmanship position of out 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, Ambassador Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the national chairmanship of our party in acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday 28 March 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,” Ologunagba said
Assuming the position, Damagum said the decision of the party was to show Nigerians that PDP is a law abiding party adding that he will be overseeing the affairs of the party pending the determination of the court.
He urged the NWC to cooperate with him for the betterment of the party and it’s members across the country.
He promised to review some of the decisions of Iyorcha Ayu especially the gale of suspensions of some leaders of the party.
Damagum also promised to address press immediately he has the full knowledge of what’s happening in the party.