PDP caucus extends Damagum’s tenure as acting nat’l chair

• The North Central zone had insisted that one of their own should be allowed to complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

The plot to oust Ambassador Umar Damagum has the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a setback.

This is as the National Caucus of the party announced the extension of his tenure as the party’s national chairman, albeit in acting capacity.

However, the extension is subject to the decision taken at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which will kick off hours from now.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the move was informed by the need to foster reconciliation and unity in the party.

Speaking while addressing journalists after the Caucus meeting at Bauchi Governors lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, Ologunagba said Damagum would continue in his position until the next NEC meeting.

He said, “Umar Damagum will continue to be the acting National Chairman of the party until the next meeting of NEC. The party considers that it is important to have more consultation on that issue.”

“NEC meeting will not discuss any change in leaders. Rather, attention is focused on unity and reconciliation. Caucus agreed that all congresses in the states and local government should be concluded between June and August this year. Caucus agreed on the extension of the constitution review committee of the party to accept new recommendations.”

Before the caucus meeting, the National Working Committee of the party had passed a vote of confidence on Damagum.

But the North Central zone had insisted that one of their own should be allowed to complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

At a meeting at the Grand Ibro Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday, the North Central asked Damagum to revert to the position of Deputy National Chairman North, the position he was holding before his elevation as Acting National Chairman.

The region is insisting on Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution which provides that “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the office of the Party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure”.

Before the Caucus meeting, Governors elected on the platform of the PDP had declared that only the NEC could decide the fate of Damagum.