The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has said that it is within his power to disallow candidates of the party in the February 2023 election opposed to his stay in office to be the party flagbearers.
Benue governor, Samuel Ortom, is PDP candidate for the state North-West Senatorial District where Ayu also hails from. Ortom is among those calling for Ayu to vacate the seat after Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a northern too, emerged the party presidential candidate.
The National Chairman while addressing his kinsmen of Jemgba ethnic group at his residence in the Gboko area of Benue State at the weekend, reiterated his determination to stay in office, adding that he has the power to deal politically with those calling for his exit.
His word, “The PDP is one and not divided. I am trying my best not to disappoint Benue people and Nigerians in general. So if you hear that they want to chase Ayu out as national chairman, don’t be worried; nobody is going to sack me as national chairman of our party. I will leave the seat at a day that God permits.”
He thanked Gboko people for the show of love to him, stressing that, “since I started politics in PDP in the last 30 years, Gboko has not rejected me, you are always supporting me. They say a prophet has no respect in his home, but my case is different I am overwhelmed by this great show of love. Nothing should worry you my people.
“I have been silent over all the things you are hearing against me because I don’t want any crack in the party I belong in my state. I have the powers to say you and you will not go anywhere because I will insist that I must sign before you go anywhere.
“But I have signed for all candidates produced by the PDP to go ahead in their dreams, whether I liked it or not I signed. So I was doing that believing that I cannot shot myself in the leg.
“I want Benue to come first by winning all elections so that Nigerians will say that the national chairman has delivered his state to PDP with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar winning 90 percent of the votes and Titus Uba as governor in 2023.”
