Olusegun Ariyo
Nigerian Governors elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the National Working Committee of the party have resolved to sack IIiya Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman of the party.
Bauchi State Governor, who doubles as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, made the revelation on Tuesday night shortly after meeting with the party’s NWC.
Damagum is a staunch loyalist of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He was made the acting Chairman of the party following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman in June 2023.
Speaking on the leadership crisis rocking the main opposition party, Governor Mohammed, who addressed journalists shortly after the meeting with the party’s NWC, said it is a “constitutional aberration” for Damagum to remain in office.
He said the North Central would be given the opportunity to complete the tenure of the former national chairman, Ayu who hailed from Benue State.
He said, “My brother from the North East is acting as the National Chairman and it is a constitutional aberration because according to our Constitution, any vacancy that exists of leadership position should return where it is created
“We know the North Central has been craving for it and we have discussed the issue and would work with that as the chairman, the National Working Committee and the Party to ensure that the North Central is given the opportunity to assume that responsibility.
“The North East also benefited from such constitutional arrangements after the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Former Governor Ahmadu Muazu became the National Chairman of the PDP. It is not something that is in contention by the grace of God.”
