In a significant development for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the North East Zone comprising Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states has thrown its full support behind Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as the party’s Acting National Chairman. The endorsement was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, who spoke on behalf of the zone.
Governor Fintiri expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership, noting that his tenure has restored public confidence in the party since he took over as acting chairman. The Governor emphasized that, pending further judicial decisions, Damagum should be allowed to serve out the remainder of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure. This, according to Fintiri, is in line with a restraining order issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which prevents the party from replacing Damagum as chairman unless the court decides otherwise.
Governor Fintiri also highlighted the PDP’s strong performance in the North East during the 2023 general elections, stating that the region’s unprecedented electoral achievements merit its continued leadership of the party at the national level. He further urged party members to respect the rule of law and the court’s decisions in order to preserve the party’s integrity and Nigeria’s democratic values.
In conclusion, the Federal High Court in Abuja has restricted the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and other affiliated bodies from appointing or nominating any other national chairman while the court order remains in effect. This ruling further solidifies Damagum’s position as the PDP’s Acting National Chairman.
