Kola Ologbondiyan, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reaffirmed the North Central zone’s demand for the party’s National Chairman position, emphasizing that it’s non-negotiable.
He stressed that the zone is resolute in its request to appoint a representative to complete Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure, as stipulated in the party’s Constitution.
During a recent meeting with PDP youth from the North Central region, Ologbondiyan urged them to persist in their pursuit, asserting that their demand is “constitutional, legitimate, and aligned with democratic principles of equity, fair play, and justice.”
He highlighted that the zone enjoys broad support from various party organs and other regions, reinforcing the legitimacy of their claim based on Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution, amended in 2017.
Ologbondiyan clarified that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has not amended the relevant constitutional provisions, which means Acting National Chairman Ambassador Illyasu Umar Damagum cannot legitimately complete Senator Ayu’s term.
He stated firmly, “If there were any constitutional alteration, Ambassador Damagum would not hold the position of Acting National Chairman but would be the substantive National Chairman. His acting status signifies that the office is vacant and must be filled by a representative from the North Central.”
The PDP’s zoning framework allocates leadership positions among geopolitical zones, and Ologbondiyan emphasized that the North Central is entitled to the National Chairmanship. He called on party leaders and stakeholders to uphold truth and justice, noting that principles of equity and fairness transcend individual interests.
Ologbondiyan concluded by urging party stakeholders in the North Central not to succumb to pressures from “sit-tight politicians” seeking to undermine the zone’s rightful position within the party. He stressed the necessity for the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 2024, to proceed as planned, reinforcing the North Central’s commitment to its constitutional rights within the PDP.
