The embattled National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Senator Iyorchia Ayu has warned Benue state governor Samuel Ortom and his critics to desist from causing confusion in the party.
Specifically, Ayu, a former Senate President made it clear that he has the powers to stop Ortom or any other from realising his or her political ambition on the platform of the party come 2023, but that he won’t do so.
Some governors including Ortom, Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state elected under the PDP platform have been engaged in a running battle against Ayu and Atiku since the party settled for presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of 2023 elections.
Aside the serving governors, some former governors and chieftains of the party are also at loggerhead with PDP hierarchy.
Speaking at his arrival in his home Gboko, Benue state on Saturday, Ayu said, “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 like it or not I signed.
“So I was doing that believing that I cannot shoot 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 per cent of the votes and Titus Uba as Governor in 2023. Nothing should worry you, my people.
“Since I started politics more than 30 years ago, you have never 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.
“The PDP is one and not divided. I am trying my best not to disappoint the 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 on a day that God permits. It is God that enthrones leadership. He uses people to enthrone a person over others and protects that person. I want to assure you that all these days, God has been protecting me even when I went on sick leave abroad, God is still protecting me. The Tiv people have suffered so much in this country.”
Both Ayu and Ortom hail from same senatorial zone where the incumbent state governor is gunning to represent at the Senate come 2023.