PDP NEC To Appoint National Chair As Ayu Withdraws Appeals Against Suspension

The coast now looks clear for the appointment of a substantive National Chairman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the North Central geo-political zone in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.

This followed the withdrawal of all pending appeals at the Court of Appeal by the suspended National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu challenging his purported removal from office by the Party.

Forefront News gathered that the latest political joker by the camp of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has completely rattled and unsettled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who was pushing for Ambassador Umar Damagun to be retained as Acting National Chairman of the Party.

The withdrawal of all pending appeals by Dr Ayu against his suspension through the instrumentality of the court, has cleared all constitutional loopholes that Wike and Damagun were holding onto to retain power.

It was gathered that Dr Ayu said that he was prepared to sacrifice his ambition for the growth, unity, and cohesion of the Party, particularly at this point in the Nation’s history which requires a strong and vibrant opposition Party that should prepare for taking over government at the next general elections.

The move by the former National Chairman is seen as a great and solid demonstration of patriotism and commitment to the PDP against those who are desirous of selling it for their selfish end.

In a notice of withdrawal of appeal by Dr Iyorchia Ayu tagged CA/MK/88/2024 SUIT NO: MHC/85/2023 dated April 15, 2024, made available to journalists, the Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State capital, held that Ayu had withdrawn the appeal against the respondents filed on the 27th day of June 2023 via Notice of Appeal dated the 26th day of June 2023.

The lawsuit which was between Ayu (Appellant) and Engr. Terhide Utaan and the PDP as the respondent, read in part; “Take notice that the appellant herein intends and doth hereby wholly withdraw the appeal against the respondents filed on the 27th day of June 2023 vide Notice of Appeal dated the 26th day of June 2023.”

Reacting to the news, the G-60 People Democratic Party lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly commended Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, for withdrawing a lawsuit, noting that the action that made the Acting Chairman, Umar Damagun to refuse to step down until the withdrawal of all cases paved the way for him to hand over to North Central.

According to the G-60 PDP Federal lawmakers led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the action of Dr Ayu had removed the final bottleneck and excuse being given by Damagun to hang on to power and open the expressway without any excuse for Damagun to revert to his position as Deputy Chairman.

The lawmakers who have been clamouring for reform of the party including the resignation of the acting chairman, Ambassador Damagun, stated that with this withdrawal, PDP NEC would proceed with the election of the North Central candidate as National Chairman, during their NEC meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

They insisted that despite the plot of rogues in the party working for the All Progressive Congress (APC), the stepping down of Damagun to his official position is now irreversible.