Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, the factional acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he has assumed his position as the leader of the party.
Considering the intractable crisis and defection in the party, Yayari was appointed as the acting Chairman by the faction opposed to the leadership style of Illiya Damagum.
In a statement on Sunday, Yayari, who said the party has failed to live up to expectations, as the main opposition party, promised that the new National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership will act within the confines of the rule of law and constitution of the party.
He said: “NWC under my leadership will be guided strictly by the Constitution of our Party and I will at all times be fair to all members irrespective of their status, position or state in the Party. Only this will guarantee and engender loyalty and commitment of our teeming members.
“In this regard, my primary goal, focus and mandate in the onerous assignment is to restore confidence of our members by immediately setting in motion the process to hold the long overdue National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of our Party already scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024.
“In line with the provision of our Party’s Constitution, the North Central Zone which is constitutionally entitled to produce a replacement to serve out the tenure of the former National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu is hereby requested to urgently meet and forward its nominee to my office for necessary preparation and forwarding for consideration and approval by NEC at the October 24, 2024 meeting.”
Yayari who said he was humbled by the numerous messages of solidarity, support, and best wishes received from members since he was appointed Acting National Chairman said the NWC is now “ready and willing to play the role of effective opposition in the quest to develop our democracy and seek for responsible and responsive government in our country.”