NO COURT ORDER PREVENTED NWC FROM SUSPENDING DAMAGUN; JUSTICE LIFU’S EX-PARTE ORDER CAME AFTER THE NWC ACTED – UGOCHINYERE
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
OCTOBER 12, 2024
The Nigeria Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, through its spokesman Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has congratulated Yayari Ahmed Mohammed on his appointment as Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ugochinyere emphasized that this leadership change represents a bold step toward revitalizing the party.
In a recent statement, Ugochinyere noted that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP officially appointed Yayari as Acting Chairman following the suspension of Amb. Illiya Damagum. This decision was made in accordance with the party’s constitutional provisions and took immediate effect.
According to Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, “The vacancy created by the suspension of Damagun and others necessitated Yayari’s appointment, as he is the highest-ranking officer in the NWC from the North. This is a temporary measure pending the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, where a substantive chairman from the North Central Zone will be elected.”
Ugochinyere further asserted that the upcoming NEC meeting is poised to bring significant transformation to the PDP, especially in light of the challenges faced under Damagun’s leadership. He criticized Damagun for allegedly collaborating with party adversaries, specifically Nyesom Wike, which he claims hindered the party’s prospects for the 2027 elections.
Additionally, Ugochinyere warned of attempts by factions loyal to Wike and aligned with the APC to seek an ex-parte order from the Federal High Court in Abuja. He urged the judiciary to refrain from intervening in the internal matters of the PDP.
“The news of Damagun’s suspension has sparked jubilation among party faithful, supporters, and stakeholders. His anti-party activities and collaboration with opposition elements have jeopardized our party’s future. I call on PDP governors and stakeholders to unite against further attempts by Damagun and his allies to undermine the party,” Ugochinyere concluded.
