I will not resign as Chairman, Ayu insists

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu has said that he is not bothered about the calls for his resignation, describing the proponents of the move to remove him as youngsters who do not have a grasp of the party’s goals at formation.

Ayu reminded his opponents that PDP members and stakeholders elected him based on the laid down rules of the main opposition party.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the former Senate President pointed out that even if there would be another election, those calling for his resignation would not be replacing him.

Following the victory of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as PDP presidential flagbearer at the party’s primary on 28 May, there had been calls for Ayu to step down giving that both himself and Atiku are from the North.

The anti-Ayu campaign became more vociferous when Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who came closely behind Atiku in the presidential primary was bypassed and Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa chosen as presidential running mate instead.

Ayu’s resignation has been on the agenda of Wike’s camp to secure their support for Atiku in next year’s presidential poll.

Last week, Atiku met with Wike in the United Kingdom as part of the reconciliation process.

In the BBC Hausa interview, Ayu said: “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. 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”.