Andile Lungisa has officially stepped down as chairperson of the ANC's Nelson Mandela Bay region.
The official announcement was made Monday afternoon by the ANC's Themba Xuthula, at a lunchtime briefing.
Lungisa, who saids he will now challenge for the position of Provincial Secretary, stepped aside following a resolution taken at the ANC's national executive committee meeting over the weekend.
He stirred controversey by first saying he would not stand but later did an about turn.
Responding to questions on Lungisa at a media briefing, ANC secretary-general, Gwede Mantashe, said
"The NEC took a decision, reaffirmed its previous decision and left further action to the province, rightfully so. Because regions are under the jurisdiction of province," Mantashe said.
Phumzile Tshuyni takes over as acting ANC regional chairperson for Nelson Mandela Bay.
