Peoples Democratic Party youths in the North organised a nonviolent demonstration in Kaduna State to call for Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the party’s national chairman, to quit immediately.
The group, which goes by the name of Northern PDP Youth, protested on Saturday outside the PDP secretariat in Kaduna State’s capital while carrying banners with diverse messages.
Although they were not allowed inside the building, the group’s leader, Shehu Isah, the Chairman of the Northern PDP Youth, insisted that Ayu resign so that a Southerner could take over as Chairman of the PDP.
He claims that the demand is in the best interests of harmony, equity, and fairness.
READ ALSO: 2023: Atiku ‘ll Lose Northern Support If… – Olisa Metu
He claimed that Senator Ayu’s continuing tenure in office could endanger the victory of the party in the general elections of 2023.
“As things stand, Nigerians want and need PDP. But I don’t think we will prevail given this internal crisis. The PDP National Chairman, Mr. Iyorchia Ayu, made a commitment to retire during the National Convention, and we are urging him to keep it if a northern candidate wins the party’s nomination, he added.
“But now, almost six months after the convention, Ayu remains as PDP National Chairman, which is injustice. We are calling on the PDP NEC (National Executive Council), PDP BOT (Board of Trustees), PDP Caucus, (and) PDP NWC to do justice for all.”
READ ALSO: PDP Presidential Primary Election Was Manipulated By Ayu, Says Wike
Isah claimed that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, had the full backing of the demonstrating youth. However, they were worried that if the party’s internal conflict was not resolved, it would harm his chances, which is why they took this measure.
Since a Northerner has emerged as the front-runner for president, there have been more calls for Senator Ayu to step down so that a Southerner can take over as the party’s national chairman.
The governor’s supporters withdrew their support in response to the calls, which were initiated by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and endorsed by several of the party’s key stakeholders, including Chief Bode George. The PDP presidential campaign council also made a similar statement.
