ABUJA – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman of the party until its elective national convention scheduled for November.
The confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached at the 102nd NEC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
Damagum took the oath of office during the meeting, administered by the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in line with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.
The decision comes less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, billed for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his acceptance remarks, Damagum expressed gratitude to party leaders 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. 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 said.
Damagum had been acting national chairman since March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that removed former Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
He was then appointed in line with Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). Prior to that, he served as Deputy National Chairman (North).
