As the tussle to remove Senator Iyorcha Ayu as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman continues, protesters yesterday tormed the party national secretariat, insisting that he must remain in office.
Recall that calls by some party’s stakeholders have been raging for Ayu’s removal, citing incompetence to lead PDP to victory in 2023.
However, the Pro-Ayu protesters numbering had placards inscriptions like “Ayu must stay; Iyorcha Ayu has led us well; Edevbie is an impostor, we don’t know him as a stakeholder in Delta PDP; Sheriff is our candidate; Delta is 100 percent PDP, amongst other inscriptions, passed a vote of confidence on the party National Chairman.
National coordinator of Ijaw Mandate Group, Andaye Dagidi, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, urged Ayu to ignore those calling for his resignation, adding that they are in support of his leadership style and the National Working Committee (NWC).
Describing those calling for Ayu sack as moles in the PDP, Dagidi said Ayu leadership has “rejuvenated the party and the efforts yielded results in winning majority seats at the FCT Area Council election and the recently conducted Osun governorship election.”
Also speaking on Delta politics and the governorship tussle in the state, Dagidi declared the support of the group for Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborewvori, who was recently sacked by the court.
He described the claimant to the party’s ticket, David Edevbie as an impostor and demanded that he should be expelled from the party.
He explained that the protesters were in collaboration with other groups like Delta Political Vanguard and Delta Political Watchdogs and also debunked the rumour of division in Delta PDP.
He said that the party is united under the leadership of the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, adding, “PDP in Delta under Governor Okowa came to declare our support for our governorship election, Rt. Jon. Sheriff Oborewvori.
“He won the election outrightly but it is unfortunate that David Edevbie and his people could try to take the party to ransome.”
Receiving the protest letter from the protesters on behalf of the NWC, National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba lauded the group for taking the path of peace.
He said: “I have listened to you and I can see that Delta is united for PDP and that is very important for us, because we understand that the rescue mission led by our Chairman and this is coming from the heart of PDP in Delta state.
“Since 1999, Delta state has been solidly PDP and we believe that from this presentation Delta State is solidly PDP, to that extent, we have taken note of l what you have said, your concerns and consistent with the position of this NWC, we shall look at it and respond accordingly.
“I must thank you for the confidence that you have expressed, the support for Dr Iyorchia Ayu led NWC, his mission to continue to be fair to all members of the party and all the decisions have been in accordance with the constitution. We are a law abiding party. We respect court order and we act on them and we want to reiterate that this party will remain so, running according to its constitution.
“However, the issue should be what did Nigerian people need, we want to be able to reject the APC, the sadness they have brought to this party. The only way we can do that is to be united and you have demonstrated that, that we are united from the heart of the PDP which is Delta state. We urge you to continue to be united so that next year we can celebrate the victory of PDP.”
