National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party until its elective national convention scheduled for November.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached during the ongoing 102nd NEC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Damagum took the oath of office during the meeting, administered by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in accordance with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.
The decision came less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, slated to hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in him and the National Working Committee (NWC).
“Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated.
“This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them.
“To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party,” he added.
Damagum had assumed the role of acting national chairman on March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that confirmed the removal of former Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
At the time, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced Damagum’s appointment, citing Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Prior to his appointment, Damagum served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North). (NAN)
By-election: INEC present certificate of return to Zamfara lawmaker-elect
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday in Gusau, Zamfara, presented Certificate of Return to Kamilu Sa’idu, the newly elected lawmaker for the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency.
The new lawmaker was elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded by-election in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation of certificate of return was sequel to the successful rerun election conducted on Thursday in five polling units across two registration areas.
INEC had declared the Aug. 16 by-election in the 109 polling units of the six registration areas of Kaura Namoda Local Government in Zamfara inconclusive following the allegation of irregularities in the affected areas.
Presenting the certificate to Sa’idu on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mahammud Isah, described the process as free, fair and creatable election.
Isah commended all the stakeholders for making the exercise successful and upholding the democratic values during the exercise.
He congratulated the member-elect for the milestone and urged him to remain focused in bringing meaningful development to his constituency and the state.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of APC, Alhaji Danfulani Maikatako, expressed satisfaction with INEC and security operatives during both the by-election and rerun elections held in the affected state constituency.
He said the party’s victory signified its acceptance in Zamfara, assuring that in 2027, the party would reclaim its stolen mandate.’
According to him, even in the 2023 elections, it was the APC supporters that voted PDP into power following some misunderstanding among the party leaders.”
He, however, assured the APC supporters of efforts to address all the issues and reposition the party to regain power in all the elective positions, come 2027 general polls.
Also speaking, the lawmaker-elect appreciated the party’s leadership and supporters for trusting him with their mandate.
He promised to use his experience in bringing meaningful development to the constituency and the state at large. (NAN)