The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed its Deputy National Chairman, Umar Damagum (North), as its acting national chairman.

Mr. Damagun takes over from Iyorchia Ayu, who was barred by a Benue Court on Monday from parading himself as the party’s national chairman. After he was suspended by his ward, Igyorov Ward, in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The Ward Secretary, Vangeryina Dooyum, who announced Mr. Ayu’s suspension, said the national chairman worked against the success of the PDP in the ward. He also blamed Mr. Ayu for the party’s abysmal outing in the 18 March governorship and state assembly election in Benue State.

This was contained in a statement by the PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday. “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party at an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 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 Iliya Damagun assumes the National Chairmanship of our great Party in an 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.”

Ada Peter