PDP chairman under pressure to stand down after video of him promising to do if Atiku wins so emerges

FRESH pressure is being mounted on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu to stand down after a video of him promising to resign should a northerner emerge as the party's presidential candidate recently emerged.

In late June, the PDP elected former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its flagbearer for next year's presidential election at its annual convention. With Alhaji Abubakar being a northerner from Adamawa State and Senator Ayu hailing from Benue State, the leadership of the PDP appeared skewed.

When Senator Ayu got elected party chairman earlier this year, it was assumed that a southerner would be elected as the PDP's presidential candidate. However, following the former vice president's surprise victory, the party is now facing a credibility crisis and members loyal to Alhaji Abubakar's rival Governor Nyesom Wike, have made Senator Ayo's resignation a condition for peace.

Party members have published a video from a television interview Senator Ayu granted Arise Television in the run-up to the PDP national convention where he emerged as national chairman. However, his supporters are trying to push forward a narrative of him leaving office if the party produces a northern president in 2023.

Senator Ayu said: “Party positions we have agreed are not tied to positions of executive and legislative positions. However, I’m a very, very democratic person and will do everything to promote the interest and image of my party.

“If the PDP says I should step down after the presidential candidate emerges and happens to be in the north, I will be very glad to do so.”

One Wike supporter said, however: “All we are saying is that our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and all those interested in genuine reconciliation in our party should implore Ayu to do the needful, it is simple. Apart from the fact that our constitution is explicit on the issue of zoning, we need men who can be taken for their words at the helm of affairs.”