… Says no imposition of candidates in 2023 polls
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, has assured that Nigeria was not going to break-up as canvassed by some people.
Ayu made the disclosure on Sunday at a reception to honour him in Makurdi.
The former Senate President said that his emergence as the national chairman was a clear indication that Nigeria was still together and would not break-up.
“Despite the diversities in the North as well as the entire country, they came together and selected me as a consensus candidate.
“This is to prove that Nigeria is still bound together and still speaking with one voice,” he said.
He further assured all the aspirants that favour would not be granted to any candidate, stressing that all aspirants would be treated fairly because a level playing ground would be accorded all of them.
He also said that PDP was back, stressing that it was back with good policies that would liberate and keep the country together.
He charged the people to keep faith with the party, adding that every single member of the party would be carried along.
He said that the party under his leadership was determined to stop the drift from the party to other political parties rather they would be harvesting defectors from other political parties.
Also, former senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, expressed confidence in the ability of Ayu to deliver.
“I am sure that he will lead the party to victory in 2023.
“We PDP members in the North Central will give him full support to succeed,” he said.
Mrs Rebecca Apedzan, the Chairlady of the occasion, assured Nigerians and members of the PDP in particular that they made the best choice by electing Ayu as the national chairman of the party.
“This singular action shows that the party has taken the first step of rescuing the country,” she said.
In a related development, Ayu also disclosed that the party under his watch will not tolerate room for imposition of candidates.
Senator Ayu made the disclosure over the weekend in Makurdi while addressing stakeholders of the PDP during his first visit to the state as National Chairman of the PDP.
He stated that under his tenure, whoever emerges as candidate for any elective position will be protected, pointing out that he has a competent team that has been carefully elected for the enormous task ahead.
The former Senate President charged party faithful to go back to their wards and work hard to ensure victory for the PDP in all elections in 2023, stressing that the party must rescue Nigeria from APC’s misrule.
The National Chairman acknowledged the support shown him before and after his emergence by Governor Ortom, Senator David Mark and other critical stakeholders, saying it’s an indication of a united Benue.
He said with the commitment shown by leaders who stood behind him for his election, it is a clear indication that Benue can win anytime but “when we fight against each other, victory will elude us.”
Senator Ayu pledged the commitment of the National Working Committee of the PDP towards rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria, stressing that the party is poised to reclaim power at the centre in 2023.
Governor Samuel Ortom in a remark, corroborated Ayu’s position against imposition of candidates, saying, transparency, justice and equity should be allowed to play out, even as he encouraged consensus arrangement.
The Governor advised the NWC of the PDP to work as a team in order to ensure victory for the party at all levels in 2023, saying the APC’s failure is an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim their position and rebuild Nigeria.
While thanking Senator David Mark and other Northern leaders for standing firm to ensure the emergence of Ayu, Governor Ortom announced that the PDP in Benue will be receiving other ranking politicians into its fold in the days ahead.
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark acknowledged the degree of responsibility the nation has placed on the PDP, saying the party has no excuse but to succeed.
He prayed God to grant Ayu the wisdom and courage to lead the party in the right direction, saying Benue people will reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly behind him.
Senator Ayu and other members of the NWC of the PDP were later decorated in the Benue unity attires by Governor Samuel Ortom and other top government officials.