Iyorchia Ayu has stepped down as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following an order by the Benue State High Court in Makurdi. Ayu’s decision to step down was made on Tuesday, and he will no longer be parading himself as PDP national chairman. The deputy national chairman (North), Iliya Damagun, has taken over the position in an acting capacity.
Ayu’s spokesman, Simon Imobo Tswam, confirmed that Ayu would comply with the court order. In a statement, the national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said that the party’s leadership had resolved to appoint Damagun as acting national chairman, in keeping with the court order.
This is not the first time that a deputy national chairman of the PDP has assumed the leadership of the party following a court order. In 2021, a court in Port Harcourt had ordered the then national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, to stop parading himself as chairman, following his suspension from the party by his ward leadership in Rivers State. Secondus adhered to the court order, and his deputy, Yemi Akinwonmi, took over as acting chairman until a new substantive chairman was elected.
The PDP’s decision to appoint Damagun as acting national chairman comes after Ayu’s turbulent tenure. He has been accused of mismanaging the party’s finances and overseeing a decline in the party’s fortunes. However, Damagun’s appointment is seen as a positive development, as he is considered a seasoned politician and administrator.
The PDP leadership has called on all members and supporters of the party to remain calm and united during this critical time. With Damagun at the helm, the PDP will be hoping to regain its footing and strengthen its position ahead of the next general elections.