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Tag: Iyorchia Ayu

  • JUST IN: We will help PDP lose in 2023 – Wike fires back at Ayu

    JUST IN: We will help PDP lose in 2023 – Wike fires back at Ayu

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has fired back at Sen Iyorchia Ayu, National Chairman of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for saying he was a child when the party was formed and therefore cannot influence his removal from office as the national chairman of the party.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Wike was speaking at the commissioning of the internal road in Omerelu community in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers on Thursday when he threatened to help the PDP lose the 2023 presidential election.

    Responding to recent comments by Ayu, Wike said “Doctor Ayu said we are children. Yes, the children brought you from the gutter to make you chairman. Now we have seen that you don’t want the party to win election, we will help you.

    “These children you said we are, that brought you from nothing. Ayu, you said you founded this party, but you left the party in 2007. You founded a company, you left the company, people stood and brought out the company to what it is today, you have no moral right to still come and claim that you founded that company, you left with your shares.

    “You want to show integrity, you want to show a party to Nigeria that we want to take over, you must convince Nigerians that we have the integrity. You are the driver that will drive the vehicle to convey us to go our destination. That is the victory we are looking for.

    “If the driver has no integrity and cannot show honesty, how do you convince Nigerians? If you tell Nigerians something and cannot do it, is it when you enter into power that you will do it?

    “Nigerians have seen how ungrateful some of you can be, and that’s why Nigerians also want to be careful, if we give these people power, are you sure they will also be grateful to Nigerians”.

    TNG reports that the PDP National Chairman had while speaking in an interview on the Hausa service of BBC on Wednesday fired shots at the Rivers State Governor, saying he was but a child when the party was formed.

    Ayu argued the presidential candidacy of Atiku Abubakar does not in any way affect his position as the party’s National Chairman, and described Governor Wike and members of his camp calling for his resignation as mere noisemakers and children, who were not available when he and other party chieftains laboured to form the party.

    “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,” Ayu said.

    When asked in specific terms about the call by Wike’s camp for his resignation among other conditions to support Atiku, he said: “All that he is doing does not affect me because I know I am fixing the party. I am doing my work diligently, I have not committed any offence. I have not stolen any money, so there is no reason for my resignation.

    “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 destabilize our party. This is our country, so all that is expected of us is to fix the country, provide security and dividends of democracy when we take over power in 2023,” he said.

    There have been cracks within the PDP camp since the outcome of the party national convention that produced Atiku as the party presidential candidate and the emergence of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.

    Governor Wike was considered alongside Governor Okowa for the running mate slot. However, the Rivers State Governor became resentful after Atiku chose the Delta State Governor as his running mate. Although the PDP set up a panel to reconcile the two men, Wike insisted on the removal of the party’s chairman to mend the cracks in the party.

    TNG reports that Atiku had last week met with the Governor in the United Kingdom as part of the reconciliation process

  • You don’t know PDP ideals, Ayu tells his detractors

    You don’t know PDP ideals, Ayu tells his detractors

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Iyorchia Ayu, has said those championing the campaign to see him resign are no without knowledge of the party’s ideals.

    He stated this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC which was monitored by our correspondent.

    Ayu noted that he is not worried about the calls for his resignation because those behind it are youngsters who do not have a grasp of the goals of the party when it was formed.

    He vowed not to allow anyone to destabilise the party as PDP members and stakeholders elected him based on laid down rules.

    The PDP helmsman stressed that even if there would be another election, those calling for his resignation would not be replacing him, hence the need for them to understand the essence of the party’s formation and the rules that guide its operations.

    “I was voted as PDP Chairman for 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,” Ayu stated.

    He then added that “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.

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  • 2023: No individual can hijack PDP – Ayu declares

    2023: No individual can hijack PDP – Ayu declares

    National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu has declared that no individual can hijack the party, stressing that the party was built by the collective efforts of its leaders.

    Ayu, who spoke on Monday at the reception ceremony organised in honour of the former Governor of Kano State and Senator representing Kano Central, Ibrahim Shekarau in Kano said nobody can destroy nor distract the party from achieving victory in 2023.

    “We’re not going to be distracted by those who believe that in peddling lies they would destroy the PDP. I believe that God willing, we shall overcome all the distractful forces. Our party would get more united.”

    He thanked God that the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was already making genuine efforts to bring every member of the party back to the family.

    He described Shekarau’s movement to the PDP as his happiest since he assumed office as national chairman, noting that Kano State is strategic and important to the PDP.

    He observed that the party actually began in Kano when the late Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi started mobilising the rest of them to resist the military dictatorship of that era.

    Ayu explained that the entire leadership of the party was happy to be in the city of Malam Aminu Kano even as he confessed that getting Ibrahim Shekarau to rejoin the PDP was not easy as there were equally other suitors.

    He described Shekarau as a team player who is ready to work the with other members to ensure victory for the party at the state and federal levels.

    Shekarau urged his supporters to work for the PDP to ensure it emerged victorious at the 2023 general elections.

    “I have written to the NNPP National Chairman, chairmen at the state, local governments, and ward levels of the party that I have dumped the NNPP.

    “I have equally written to INEC Chairman and to the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC that I am no longer contesting the senatorial position on the platform of the NNPP,’’ he said.

    He was consequently registered into the PDP by its North West Vice Chairman, Sen. Bello Hayatu-Gwarzo.

    Shekarau joined the NNPP in May 2022 after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the platform in which he won the senatorial seat.

    He announced his latest defection in Kano where he said all his supporters also crossed to the PDP.

    The ceremony was attended by Atiku, his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, the Chairman of Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his counterpart from Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku. former vice president Nnamadi Sambo, former minister of foreign affairs, Aminu Wali, former governors of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and Ibrahim Saminu Turaki.

  • What PDP National Chairman said after closed door meeting with guber candidates

    What PDP National Chairman said after closed door meeting with guber candidates

    The national working committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday met behind closed door with gubernatorial candidates of the party for the 2023 general election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the closed door meeting was held at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    Following the meeting, National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu disclosed that the candidates came to express their concerns in their various states.

    Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Ayu expressed confidence that the PDP was poised to return elected at least 25 governors in the 2023 general elections.

    “The candidates came and express their concerns in their various states. Briefed us on the efforts they are making in their various states to win the elections.

    “I am very happy with the progress that are made so far in various states and some of the little issues that we have clarified and it was an extremely useful meeting.

    “We want to return about 25 state governors or more as we used to have. So the mood in the party is excellent.

    “We are very determined that we don’t just win at the national level, states and national assemblies, and state governorship, we want to return about 25 state governors or more as we used to have. So the mood in the party is excellent,” Ayu said.

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also addressed newsmen after the meeting, spoke on the situation with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

    Governor Mohammed, who fielded questions from reporters, said he was not aware that Governor Wike was having meetings with other political parties, and assured that the PDP remains united.

    “The chairman has already spoken. You know we are loyal party members. We believe in the supremacy and sanctity of the party and he has already told you that the mood is very excellent.

    “The candidates are coming together uniting the party to discuss, even issues of reconciliation. So, it is a very democratic party. He is open and we have asked him all the question that we need to ask about how to win the elections and then the strategies are ours.

    “We don’t have to relate it to the media now, but certainly we are on course. I am not aware of the meeting between other party members and Governor Wike,” Mohammed said.

    Also addressing newsmen, Kaduna governorship candidate of the PDP and Chairman of the PDP Governorship Candidates’ Forum, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, remarked that they came to the national leadership to have consultation with them on the way forward towards the 2023 elections.

    “We are here on a consultative meeting with our leaders on the way forward and we have extended discussions and views, regarding the 2023 elections and we are home and dry. We don’t have crisis in PDP,” Ashiru said.

    TNG reports that all the governorship candidates of the PDP, except Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is out of Nigeria, attended the crucial meeting of the party.

  • Flashback: I will step down – PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu

    Flashback: I will step down – PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu had promised to step down from his position in events prior to the presidential primary elections if a Northerner should emerge as the presidential candidate of the party.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Ayu, who is from the Northern region of the country, after emerging as the National Chairman of PDP, in an interview said if his party should pick its presidential candidate from the North, he will give up his position to ensure geopolitical balancing in the party.

    “Luckily, party positions are not tied to the position of executive and legislative positions. However, I’m a very democratic person and I will do everything to promote the interest and image of my party. If the PDP says I should step down after a presidential candidate emerges and happens to be from the North, I will be very glad to do so because what we want is to take over the government and run the government in the interest of Nigerians. So, I’ll sacrifice anything to ensure that my party wins,” Ayu promised.

    However, the National Chairman has reneged to the chagrin of some PDP members on this promise after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a core Northerner, emerged as the presidential candidate of the party.

    Following the emergence of Atiku as the presidential flag bearer of the PDP, crisis struck the party, especially after the presidential candidate picked the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, against the expectations of some party members, who preferred Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as the vice presidential candidate of the party.

    To make the PDP approach the 2023 general polls with a united front, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT); and National Working Committee (NWC) stepped in to address the lingering crisis between the presidential candidate and supporters of the Rivers State Governor. A committee was set up.

    TNG gathered that supporters of Governor Wike resolved to remain in the PDP but made some demands, including that Ayu resigns as National Chairman to enable a Southerner to take over in line with the North-South power-sharing formula of the party since the presidential candidate is from the North.

    However, Ayu has hitherto remained adamant and refused to step down from the National Chairman position of the party, even as Governor Wike has started a political romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC), inviting heavyweights of the opposition party to commission key projects in his State.

    Even, reports emerged that the Rivers State Governor sued the PDP, Atiku, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal while involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to contest the outcome of the presidential primary election. However, Wike, in a swift move, denied the reports.

    Why Iyorchia Ayu will not step down as PDP National Chairman – Aide

    Meanwhile, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Ayu, Mr Simon Imobo-Tswana, in a statement released in Abuja on Monday, stated that the PDP National Chairman has no plan to step down from his position.

    “We restate, therefore, that the PDP National Chairman has not resigned and has no plan of resigning. For clarity and emphasis, he was elected for a tenure of four years. Sections 45 and 47 of the PDP Constitution are clear on the removal and/or resignation of the National Chairman.

    “Those who don’t know this should get copies of the party’s Constitution for more information on the matter. PDP members and the general public are advised to ignore any story of such a phantom resignation,” Mr Imobo-Tswana stated.

    According to him, the stories purported that Ayu had resigned and that his resignation letter is with a former Senate President, David Mark is false and members of the public should disregard it. Imobo-Tswam said that with all emphasis, the story was, in its entirety, false, baseless, reckless, inaccurate and a complete work of fiction.

    “If there is such a resignation, it exists only in the imagination of those who have made themselves available for hatchet jobs,” he said.

    Imobo-Tswam said that if Ayu had resigned, he would give his resignation letter to the Deputy Chairman (North) and not Mark, adding Section 45 (I and ii) of the party’s Constitution was clear on that.

    “So, where does Mark comes in here, being that he is not even a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). It appears that those who have been procured to blackmail the national chairman out of office are not even aware of what the party’s Constitution says about the matter.

    “We are shocked that such reckless, vicious, mischievous and fabricated falsehood can find prime space in the mainstream media. But, even more shocking is the fact that otherwise respected media houses have made themselves easy platforms for unscrupulous people to peddle falsehood and run smear campaigns,” he alleged.

    Imobo-Tswam emphasised that the national chairman, “is on a crucial assignment to lead the PDP on a historic rescue mission comes February 2023. And, he will not be deterred or distracted by media terrorism or political blackmail”.

  • 2023: PDP chair, Iyorchia Ayu won’t resign, no intention to

    2023: PDP chair, Iyorchia Ayu won’t resign, no intention to

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu has disclosed that there is no plan for him to resign his position.

    Ayu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr. Simon Imobo-Tswana made the clarification in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    “We restate, therefore, that the PDP National Chairman has not resigned and has no plan of resigning. For clarity and emphasis, he was elected for a tenure of four years.

    “Sections 45 and 47 of the PDP Constitution are clear on the removal and/or resignation of the National Chairman.

    “Those who don’t know this should get copies of the party’s Constitution for more information on the matter.

    “PDP members and the general public are advised to ignore any story of such a phantom resignation,” he said.

    According to him, the stories purported that Ayu had resigned and that his resignation letter is with a former Senate President, David Mark is false and members of the public should disregard it.

    Imobo-Tswam said that with all emphasis, the story was, in its entirety, false, baseless, reckless, inaccurate, and a complete work of fiction.

    “If there is such a resignation, it exists only in the imagination of those who have made themselves available for hatchet jobs,” he said.

    Imobo-Tswam said that if Ayu had resigned, he would give his resignation letter to the Deputy Chairman (North) and not Mark, adding Section 45 (I and ii) of the party’s Constitution was clear on that.

    “So, where does Mark comes in here, being that he is not even a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)

    “It appears that those who have been procured to blackmail the national chairman out of office are not even aware of what the party’s Constitution says about the matter.

    “We are shocked that such reckless, vicious, mischievous and fabricated falsehood can find prime space in the mainstream media.

    “But, even more shocking is the fact that otherwise respected media houses have made themselves easy platforms for unscrupulous people to peddle falsehood and run smear campaigns,” he alleged.

    Imobo-Tswam emphasised that the national chairman, “is on a crucial assignment to lead the PDP on a historic rescue mission comes February 2023.

    “And, he will not be deterred or distracted by media terrorism or political blackmail.

  • How I will end incessant strikes by ASUU – Atiku Abubakar

    How I will end incessant strikes by ASUU – Atiku Abubakar

    The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to work with government and lecturers to end incessant strike in Nigeria universities.

    Abubakar stated this at a youths programme with the theme “Intergenerational Synergy on Government”, organised by PDP to commemorate the 2022 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja on Friday.

    Abubakar, who narrated how his father was arrested for never wanting him to go to school, described education as fundamental right of any citizen, especially the children and youths.

    He decried the inability of the government to resolve lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying such would not happen under a PDP or his led administration when elected as president.

    “I want to pledge that I will work with university authorities and government to make sure we end this incessant strikes by ASUU.

    “This is because education is fundamental to your growth. It doesn’t matter whether you are in politics, business or any sector. The fundamental right of every youth or every citizen is to be educated.

    “Therefore it is the responsibility of any responsible government to make sure that right is given to every Nigerian, every youth in this country,” Abubakar said.

    The former vice president who reiterated his pledge for youth inclusive government, promised to provide youths with the opportunities to acquire the training and experience to take over from the older generations.

    Abubakar urged the youth to support the PDP to take over government in 2023 to rescue the youth and the nation.

    “I believe that the PDP provides the best platform for you to actualise your individual’s collective and national aspirations,” he said.

    Abubakar encouraged youths who wanted to go into politics, either as part-time or full time career, to be patient and courageous in building their ways to the top.

    The PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, said that the party would take care of all when it comes back to power by 2023.

    He said that there would be sufficient representation for youths in the government, both in elected or appointed positions.

    “PDP is the only party that has done it in the past. I will do it again.

    “We will rebuild this country and you will have a better country. Power belongs to you; power does not belong to we the old generation. We are only rebuilding to hand over to you,” he said.

    The Minority Leader of the House, Sen. Ndudi Elumelu, the acting Chairman of the occasion, who passed a vote of confidence on Ayu and his executive, urged members to join the party leaders to rescue it.

    Elumelu said those calling for the dissolution of Ayu’s National Working Committee (NWC) did not mean well for the party and the nation.

    “What they should be thinking about is how to join us together to unite this party, unite Nigerians that are looking forward to PDP to rescue them and of course, come back to power come 2023.”

    Elumelu urged the youth not to be deterred by what they were going through, but work with PDP to return to power.

    “Let me charge youth to note that not only the future, but the present belongs to you. It is your time and you must make good use of it,” Ayu said.

    The PDP National Youth Leader, Muhammed Suleiman, advised youths not to see leadership as an entitlement, but a process that involved all stakeholders in every aspect of the society.

    Suleiman said that the youth must be prepared to have the right mindset and humility to deal with the challenges that come with leadership.

    He said that the PDP NWC, led by Ayu, was fully youth-oriented and ready to support the youth in any endeavour.

    “Our presidential candidate Abubakar has shown over the years that he is a true believer in the capacity of the youth.”

  • PDP’s BoT sets up committee to reconcile Wike, Atiku, others

    PDP’s BoT sets up committee to reconcile Wike, Atiku, others

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee to reconcile its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers.

    Former lawmaker and member of the board, Sen. Abdul Ningi disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the end of the BoT meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Ningi, who did not disclose the time frame for the committee, said it was expected to interface between warring factions so as to restore peace.

    “We have set up a committee to interface between warring factions, particularly the acrimony brewing between the presidential candidate and Gov. Wike.

    “It is a committee of the whole; every other BoT member is a member of the committee. I cannot tell you the grievances and the time frame,” he stated.

    There have been reported internal crises within the PDP camp since the outcome of the party national convention that produced Abubakar as the party presidential candidate and the emergence of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta as his running mate.

    Wike was considered alongside Okowa for the running mate slot.

    On requests that National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, should step down, Ningi said that the matter was not discussed.

  • PDP has reclaimed its stolen mandate in Osun – Ayu

    PDP has reclaimed its stolen mandate in Osun – Ayu

    The National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu has described his party’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State as the reclamation of a victory it was robbed of by the courts four years ago.

    Ayu stated this in a statement he personally signed on Sunday in which he reacted to the result declared by INEC early on Sunday morning.

    He thanked PDP stakeholders, particularly the Vice Presidential candidate of the party for next year’s election and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his steadfastness and standing by the PDP.

    Related Story: 

    Ayu said, ‘With OSUN DONE, NEXT VILLA,’ a statement that further demonstrates PDP’s resolve to kick the ruling APC out of power in 2023.

    The statement reads, “Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday, being the 16th day of July, the good people of Osun state went to the poll to elect their governor.

    “A few hours ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Sen. Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke as duly elected.

    ‘A few days ago, the defeated and outgoing Governor, HE Adegboyega Oyetola and his party, the APC, did everything to frustrate us. This included denying us the use of any public facility in the state capital for our mega-rally.

    “We had to use the party’s state secretariat. As it were, we couldn’t have access to the stadium, but we had access to the people’s hearts, loyalty and votes.

    “The convincing win of 403, 371 against Gov. Oyetola’s 375, 027 is ample proof of that.

    “Twelve years ago, specifically on 26th November, 2010, the PDP lost Osun state – not through the ballot-box – but via a judicial coup (ruling).

    “That coup (ruling) terminated the action-packed tenure of HE Olagunsoye Oyinlola. And since then, Osun has been frozen in executive misrule and underdevelopment.

    “Four years ago, the PDP won the governorship, but our Candidate, Sen. Adeleke, was robbed of victory in broad daylight. We went back to the drawing-board, and today, we have reclaimed our victory.

    “Today is, therefore, not just a day of double restoration – it’s a day of redemption too. It restores PDP to power and redeems the Osun people from the scourge of mediocrity, empty promises and excuses.

    “I congratulate the two-time winner, the tenacious Adeleke. I congratulate the good people and residents of Osun state. I hail every party stakeholder who stood with us in action,prayers and hope.

    “You have kept faith with the PDP. You refused to be intimidated. You refused to be bought over with foodstuffs and 30 silver coins. You said no to thuggery and vote-fraud. You have done well.

    “I thank the PDP National Campaign Council for the Osun State Governorship Election, headed by HE Gov. Duoye Diri, for a superlative performance. I thank our Vice Presidential Candidate Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for tireless work.
    PDP is proud of all of you.

    “You have helped to return PDP to power after 12 years. You have returned hope to Osun state. But beyond this, you have renewed the quit notice on the reigning APC Federal government. PDP first issued the quit notice in December last year when this present leadership assumed office.

    “This election was a referendum on the disastrous APC stewardship, and proves conclusively that Nigerians want PDP back. And, indeed, PDP is coming!

    “I also salute the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security agencies for toeing the path of neutrality and ensuring that the votes counted.

    “The task before us now is to transit from Opposition to Governance . This we shall do.”

    Ayu used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to join the PDP for the country to rise again.

    “We call on all PDP members and all Nigerians to join the moving PDP train. Don’t be left behind. Our NEXT destination is ASO VILLA.

    “With PDP,” Nigeria shall rise again. Indeed, she is already rising. Osun people have spoken. The rest of Nigeria shall speak with a resounding Voice on 25th February 2023.”

  • Trending video: Watch Ayu hailing Tambuwal as hero of PDP presidential primaries

    A trending video has emerged online showing chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu hailing Governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal as hero of the just concluded presidential primaries of the party.

    TheNewsGuru com, (TNG) reports the video clearly indicate that there was a massive gang up against Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike who was defeated by Atiku Abubakar at the just concluded primaries in Abuja.

    Before the primaries it was speculated in many quarters that the PDP chairman, a one time campaign manager of Atiku was working behind the scene with the former VP.

    Watch video below:

     

     

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