John Alechenu

A Benue State chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Conrad Utaan, has raised concerns about the party’s zoning arrangements, stating that its constitution does not support one zone holding both the National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman positions simultaneously.

In an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, Utaan, who is vying for the party’s chairmanship, argued that the North Central’s demand for a replacement for the former National Chairman, Senator Iyiorchia Ayu, is both constitutionally and morally justified.

He pointed out that it is inappropriate for the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, from the North East, to continue holding both the positions of National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman (North).

“Now, a vacancy has arisen for the National Chairman, and it’s been like this for over a year. Section 47(6) of our constitution clearly states that if a vacancy occurs, the party must appoint a replacement from the zone where the vacancy originated,” Utaan said.

He further explained that the North Central had been allocated the national chairmanship position through internal zoning arrangements within the party, but expressed frustration over the seeming delay in addressing the vacancy. He cited previous instances where vacancies were swiftly filled, such as with the National Secretary and the National Assistant Woman Leader.

Utaan also highlighted a precedent from the North East when Adamu Muazu resigned as chairman, emphasizing that the party fought to return the position to the zone.

“We in the North Central deserve the chairmanship, and it’s time for the party to act in accordance with its own constitution and moral responsibility,” Utaan concluded.