National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, yesterday, said those calling for his ouster were children, who were nowhere to be found when he and others struggled to form the party.
Ayu, who spoke in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, said he was not bothered by the calls for his removal.
Ayu’s comments came as indications emerged that his sacking might not address the concerns of the southern members of the party after all. According to the PDP constitution, if he leaves office, another northerner, Deputy National Chairman, North, Ambassador Umar Damagum, would take over.
Despite the internal misgivings, PDP revved up activities ahead of the commencement of the 2023 presidential election campaign. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had since Tuesday been engaged in lengthy meetings to try to foreclose possible obstacles to a smooth electioneering.
In Makurdi, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, spoke on his relationship with his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, saying he has proven to be a friend indeed.
Speaking with the BBC Hausa Service, Ayu characterised persons calling for his removal as “children”, saying, “When we started PDP, these children were not around. They are children who do not know why we formed the party. We will not allow any individual to destabilise our party.”
He added, “I was voted as PDP Chairman for a four-year tenure and I’m yet to complete a year. Atiku’s victory doesn’t affect the chairman’s position. I won my election based on our party’s constitution.
“I didn’t commit any offence. I’m only reforming the party, so I’m not bothered with all the noises. I know I’m doing my work and I didn’t steal any money, so I see no reason for all these talks.”
