The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Iliya Umar Damagum as the acting national chairman.
The party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, made the announcement on Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja.
Until his appointment, Damagum was the PDP national deputy chairman (north).
The appointment follows a high court order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the party’s national chairman.
He said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, adding that the appointment is with immediate effect.
“After a careful consideration of the court order and in line with section 45 (2) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the deputy national chairman (north), his excellency, Ambassador Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the national chairmanship of our party in acting capacity,” he said.
“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great party to remain calm and united at this critical time.“
The calls for Ayu’s sack have been a recurring decimal since the presidential primary election of the PDP last year.