The spokesperson for the coalition of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has strongly criticized the recent court order that prevents the National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party from removing Umar Damagun as Acting National Chairman.
In a statement released on Friday, Ugochinyere emphasized that the court’s ruling does not prevent the PDP’s National Working Committee from taking action against Damagun prior to the suspension.
He pointed out that there is no Federal or State High Court order that warrants Damagun’s continued leadership, describing his removal as “long overdue”.
The controversy surrounding Damagun’s leadership began when the PDP decided to suspend him and appoint Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed, the current National Treasurer, as the Acting National Chairman.
However, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order reaffirming Damagun’s position until the party’s national convention in December next year.
Ugochinyere criticized the timing of Justice Lifu’s order, suggesting it favors a faction of the party aligned with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, a controversial figure within the PDP.
Despite this, Ugochinyere maintained that Mohammed remains the acting chair as the party prepares for an upcoming NEC meeting later this month.
He also called for the courts to refrain from intervening in internal party affairs, insisting that the PDP should resolve its leadership disputes independently.
Ugochinyere’s stance has sparked significant attention, with some experts weighing in on the implications of the court order.