The spokesperson for the Nigeria opposition lawmakers coalition, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has clarified that there is no court order preventing the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagun.
He commended the NWC for their actions regarding Damagun’s removal.
In a statement released to the press in Abuja, Ugochinyere emphasized that no Federal or State High Court had issued any orders prior to the long-overdue decision to remove Damagun as the PDP National Chairman.
He reminded that following Damagun’s suspension, the NWC appointed Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed, the current National Treasurer, as the Acting National Chairman.
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However, he noted that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued a restraining order on Friday, preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP from removing Damagun. Justice Lifu stated that no other individual should be recognized as the PDP National Chairman until the party’s national convention, scheduled for December next year.
The judge based his ruling on Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP’s constitution, which stipulates that only the national convention can elect national officers.
In response to the court’s ruling, Ugochinyere criticized the judgment, asserting that it did not hinder the NWC’s decision to remove Damagun, as the court order favoring a faction supported by the pro-Wike APC was issued after Damagun’s suspension.
He affirmed that Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed is the acting Chairman, while the party anticipates the NEC meeting later this year.
Ugochinyere also urged the judiciary to refrain from intervening in internal party matters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles.
