North Central’s demand for PDP chairmanship non-negotiable – Ologbondiyan

• Acting National Chairman Ambassador Illyasu Umar Damagum cannot legitimately complete Senator Ayu’s term

Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised the North Central zone’s unwavering demand for constitutional adherence regarding the party’s National Chairman position.

The zone is resolute in its request to appoint an occupant to complete Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure as stipulated in the party’s constitution.

During a recent meeting with PDP youth from the North Central region, Ologbondiyan urged them to persist in their pursuit, asserting that their demand is “constitutional, legitimate, and aligned with democratic principles of equity, fair play, and justice.”

He highlighted that the zone enjoys broad support from various party organs and other regions, reinforcing the legitimacy of their claim based on Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution, amended in 2017.

He clarified that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has not amended the relevant constitutional provisions, which means Acting National Chairman Ambassador Illyasu Umar Damagum cannot legitimately complete Senator Ayu’s term.

“If there were any constitutional alteration, Ambassador Damagum would not hold the position of Acting National Chairman but would be the substantive National Chairman.

His acting status signifies that the office is vacant and must be filled by a representative from the North Central,” Ologbondiyan stated firmly.

He called on party leaders and stakeholders to uphold truth and justice, emphasizing that the principles of equity and fairness transcend individual interests.

Ologbondiyan elaborated on the PDP’s zoning framework, which allocates leadership positions among the geopolitical zones, noting that the North Central is entitled to the National Chairmanship.

He concluded by urging party stakeholders in the North Central not to succumb to the pressures of certain “sit-tight politicians” seeking to undermine the zone’s rightful position within the party.

He emphasized the necessity for the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 2024, to proceed as planned, reinforcing the North Central’s commitment to its constitutional rights within the PDP.