PDP Replaces Ayu With Damagum As National Chairman

Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has stepped aside from his position.

Ayu was replaced by the Deputy National Chairman, (North) Umar Iliya Damagum.

Damagum will assume office as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, pending the determination of the case in court.

Recall that a High Court in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, had restrained embattled Ayu from parading himself as chairman of the party pending the determination of the substantive suit which has been adjourned to April 17, 2023, for hearing.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, announced the appointment of Damagum on Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja.

He said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, adding that the appointment is with immediate effect.

“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 an acting capacity,” he said.

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members, and supporters of our great party to remain calm and united at this critical time.“