Ayu, PDP Withdraw Court Cases, Clearing Path for New North-Central Chairman

Former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, has withdrawn his legal case against the party. The PDP responded by withdrawing an appeal it had filed against Senator Ayu.

The news emerged during a meeting of PDP governors at Akwa Ibom Governor Lodge in Asokoro.

Both legal cases were ongoing in different courts in Makurdi, Benue state. The mutual withdrawals suggest a shift in the party’s internal dynamics, as Ambassador Damagum is expected to return to his former role as deputy national chairman (north). The north-central zone now has the opportunity to appoint a new chairman to complete Senator Ayu’s term, which ends in late 2025.

The developments point to a possible shift in the party’s leadership landscape. Ayu’s withdrawal may also open the door for reconciliation within the party, particularly benefiting the pro-Atiku camp, which seeks the national chairmanship for former Benue governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam.

However, the pro-Wike group may challenge these new dynamics, having prepared to promote Honourable David Ombugadu from Nasarawa state for either the national chairman or deputy national chairman (north) position, depending on the outcome for Damagum.

The PDP’s intra-party politics are likely to continue evolving as the north-central zone takes charge of filling the leadership vacancy left by Senator Ayu.