The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, will remain in office after surviving plans to oust him at today National Executive Meeting (NEC).

His removal or not was central to the convening of the meeting.

Having served as the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), Damagum assumed the position of acting National Chairman following the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu by the Benue State High Court last year.

Speaking to journalists after the PDP meeting, party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba, said the issue of Damagum’s removal or not has been deferred.

Ologunagba said that “the caucus did not deliberate on this matter because there are numerous complexities regarding leadership at this time. Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar Damagum will remain the acting national chairman of the party until the subsequent NEC meeting following today’s session”

“The party has recognised the importance of conducting further consultations on that matter. Our priority is maintaining party unity, as we navigate through these issues without causing division.

“We are committed to following our constitution and any succession plan that aligns with our current circumstances, including ongoing court processes. Our aim is to take actions that promote unity and are by our constitution.” he emphasised. 

About 60 members of the House of Representatives had recently called for Damagum’s removal, and demanded for the appointment of a substantive chairman from the North Central region to complete Ayu’s tenure.

However, the move faced opposition from the House Minority caucus led by Kingsley Chinda

The PDP Caucus meeting in the House of Representatives on Tuesday ended in rancour, with lawmakers divided between those supporting Damagum’s continuation in office and those opposing it.