The spokesperson for Nigeria’s opposition lawmakers’ coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed support for the emergence of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ugochinyere also backed the removal of Umar Illya Damagun by a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Debo Ologunagba.

Following the suspension of Damagun by the faction, it approved the appointment of Yayari, who is currently the party’s National Treasurer, as the acting National Chairman.

The statement, signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, read in part: “Sequel to the vacancy that originated as a result of the suspension of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, and a few others, Yayari, being the highest-ranking officer in the NWC from the North, naturally assumed the position pending the upcoming NEC meeting, where the North Central Zone will be allowed to produce a substantive Chairman for the party.”

The statement further noted that the appointment, which takes immediate effect, is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The NWC calls on all organs, leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our great party to “remain focused at this critical time, especially as the NWC commences arrangements towards the holding of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, already scheduled for Thursday, 24th October 2024.”

Reacting to the development, Ugochinyere stated that there is jubilation in various quarters, noting that PDP faithful, supporters, and stakeholders are pleased with the development.

According to him, with the removal of Damagun, the transformation of the PDP would begin, as the party has faced many setbacks and challenges due to Damagun’s alleged anti-party activities and association with the party’s opponent, Nyesom Wike.

The lawmaker urged PDP governors and stakeholders to unite to prevent further destruction of the party by Damagun, whom he described as an APC agent working alongside the Pro-Wike APC group.

The statement read: “The news of Damagun’s suspension is a welcome development; there is jubilation everywhere. PDP faithful, supporters, and stakeholders are very happy with this development.

“Damagun has been working with our enemies to destroy the party and render it incapable of contesting the 2027 elections.

“With the removal of Damagun, the transformation of the PDP will begin, as the party has faced many setbacks and challenges due to Damagun’s anti-party activities and his frolicking with the party’s enemy, Nyesom Wike.

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“I urge PDP governors and stakeholders to come together to prevent Damagun, who is an APC agent, along with their Pro-Wike APC group, from further damaging the party.”