Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national head of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has resigned in the midst of a crisis within the principal opposition party.
Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum, vice chairman for the north, has assumed the role of acting national chairman.
Tuesday’s announcement of Ayu’s decision was made by Debo Ologunagba, the organization’s national press secretary.
“In an emergency meeting held today, March 28, 2023, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledged the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023, regarding the Chairmanship position of our great Party,” the statement said.
After careful consideration of the Court Order and in accordance with Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the NWC has decided that the Deputy National Chairman (North), His Excellency, Ambassador Umar Ililya Damagum, assumes the National Chairmanship of our Party in an acting capacity as of today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
“The National Working Committee is urging all leaders, key stakeholders, members, and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and unified during this vital moment.”
Damagum will serve as the Interim National Chairperson of the PDP pending the outcome of the court case.
Recall that a High Court in Makurdi, the capital of the state of Benue, had prohibited Ayu from parading himself as the party’s chairman awaiting the outcome of the substantive litigation, which has been adjourned till April 17, 2023.
Terhide Utaan, a PDP member from Benue and the plaintiff before Justice W. I. Kpochi, secured the judgement prohibiting Ayu from representing himself as the national chairman of the party.
After securing the court order, the plaintiff told reporters in Makurdi that following Ayu’s suspension by his Igyorov Ward Executive Committee on Sunday, it is improper for him to continue to hold the position of national chairman and further divide the party.
In light of the party’s setback in the presidential election, Ayu was suspended late last week for anti-party conduct.
In a statement released on Monday by his media aide Simon Imobo-Tswam, however, the former lawmaker maintained that only the ward lacked the authority to suspend him.
Nyesom Wike, Ayu’s political nemesis in the PDP and the governor of Rivers State, expressed his delight on Monday that the Benue State ward executive council voted against him.
