The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu has reportedly stepped aside from his position, however, according to reports, the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Umar Damagum would be acting chairman until further notice. A High Court sitting in Markudi, Benue State on Monday, restrained Ayu from parading himself as the party’s chairman until the determination of the substantive suit which was adjourned to April 17, 2023, for hearing.
The presiding judge, W.I. Hpochi gave the order while ruling on the suit marked MHC/85/2023 and filed by Terhide Utaan with Ayu and the PDP as defendants.
Prior to this development, a vote of no confidence was passed against Ayu on Sunday by his ward executives of Igyorov Ward of Gboko LGA which was followed by his suspension over alleged anti-party activities, Ayu, however, stated that the PDP constitution expressly prevented such disciplinary measures to be taken by any organ of the party or executive committee at ward, state or national level.
Ayu’s strongest political rival in PDP and the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has been at the helm of those calling for Ayu to step aside to allow a Southerner to take over the leadership of the party.
Reacting to his suspension by his ward executives, Wike said, “I am not from Benue State but I am happy and now that Benue State has done it, we would now come out and say we are in support of it.”
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