Opposition lawmakers pledge support for factional PDP Chairman, Yayari

The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in the House of Representatives has pledged their support for the factional acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Mohamed Yayari.

The coalition made the pledge in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, by its spokesperson, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo)

It was reported that a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by acting National Chairman, Mr Umar Damagum, suspended the National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba for alleged anti-party activities.

In a swift reaction, another faction of the NWC regarded as the integrity group, also announced the suspension of Damagum and announced the appointment Yayari as his immediate replacement.

Ugochinyere said that new acting chairman had shown his understanding of the urgency to reposition the party for greater electoral fortunes ahead of 2027 election.

According to him, the coalition understands the urgent desire of members of the hitherto biggest political party in Africa, to sanitise the system, restore internal democracy, restore peace and cohesion in the party.

Ugochinyere who represents ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo, said that the acting chairman has rekindled hope among the PDP family.

“This coalition of lawmakers in the house will support the new acting leadership and its resolve to ensure a rapid reform of our party,” he said.

It was reported that Justice Peter Lifu of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Damagun as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

The court ordered that no other person must be recognised as PDP national chairman other than Damagun until the national convention of the party scheduled for December 2025.

Justice Lifu issued the order against PDP NEC, BoT and others while delivering judgment in a suit instituted against them by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina.

The judge held that in line with Articles 42, 47 and 67 of PDP, it is only at the National Convention of the party that national officers can be elected.