By: Daure David
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing an urgent call for leadership reform following a prolonged interim arrangement that has left the party without a substantive National Chairman since March 2023. The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) is being urged to convene an Emergency NEC meeting in order to address the overdue replacement of former National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in strict accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
In a statement issued by concerned party members, it was emphasized that the need for immediate action is not just a procedural necessity but a matter of moral and constitutional obligation. The PDP Constitution, particularly Section 47(6), mandates that in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of a National Chairman, the zone from which the chairman hails must nominate a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term. Senator Ayu, who hails from the North Central Zone (Benue State), was removed from office following a court ruling in March 2023, leaving the party in an ongoing interim phase.
Since his removal, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum has served as Acting National Chairman, a role that was intended to be temporary. However, more than two years have passed without a formal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to nominate a substantive replacement, creating a leadership vacuum that undermines the party’s constitutional framework and stability.
The delay has sparked widespread concerns among party members and Nigerians alike, with critics arguing that the failure to replace Ayu is a disservice to the unity of the PDP and its ability to function effectively as the main opposition party. The North Central Zone, which has consistently demanded its constitutional right to nominate a new chairman, has expressed frustration with the ongoing interim leadership arrangement.
The matter has been further complicated by recent legal developments. A High Court ruling, procured by the Borno and Yobe State PDP Chapters, had previously sustained Ambassador Damagum’s appointment. However, on March 21, 2025, the Supreme Court nullified this ruling, reaffirming the supremacy of the PDP Constitution and ruling that leadership decisions, including the nomination of a new National Chairman, must adhere strictly to party guidelines.
The call for an Emergency NEC meeting has gained momentum, with party insiders stressing that any further delay risks deepening internal divisions and eroding public confidence in the PDP. The party’s leadership is urged to respect the principles of equity, fairness, and justice that are foundational to the PDP’s existence.
“The North Central Zone’s right to nominate a new National Chairman must be respected without further postponement,” said a source within the party. “This is essential not only for the internal harmony of the PDP but also for its future political prospects. We cannot afford to undermine our constitutional framework any longer.”
The PDP is at a crucial crossroads, and the outcome of the forthcoming leadership decisions will play a pivotal role in determining the party’s strength and effectiveness in the years leading up to the next general elections. With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the NWC now faces the task of honoring the party’s commitment to fairness and justice by convening an Emergency NEC meeting and facilitating the rightful leadership transition.
As the PDP looks ahead, the need for decisive action to restore leadership legitimacy and internal cohesion has never been more urgent. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
