March 28, (THEWILL) – The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, has stepped aside from his position.
A statement issued Tuesday, by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said the decision followed a court injunction, which restrained Ayu from acting as the party’s National Chairman.
THEWILL reports that a High Court in Benue State, on Monday, granted an interim order restraining Ayu from acting as the party’s National Chairman pending the determination of a suit filed by Terhide Utaan.
Recall that Ayu was suspended on Sunday, by the executive committee of his Igyorovo ward in Gboko local government, Benue state.
A letter signed by the ward chairman of Igyorov, Kashi Philip, alongside the exco, said Ayu was suspended for alleged anti-party activities.
Announcing Ayu’s decision in a statement, Ologunagba said, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, acknowledge the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023, with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party,” the statement said.
“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 Ililya Damagum assumes the National Chairmanship of our 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.”
Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum, Deputy National Chairman (North), has assumed office as national chairman in an acting capacity pending the determination of the case in court.
Meanwhile, Damagum has promised to review Ayu’s suspension.
Confirming his new role, Damagum said, “As a party, we are prone to reconciliation. We will review it, we will have an NWC (National Working Committee) meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) and in that meeting, we will discuss it, and there will be a possible review of whatever is happening.”
