Issues centering on the propriety or otherwise of former senator Iyorchia Ayu’s continued stay in office as National Chairman of the PDP, once again , came to the fore during the meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital , on Wednesday which was attended by stakeholders in the party in the South West .
Also at the meeting were some among leaders of the party from other geo-political zones; the PDP presidential candidate , Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Governor Bala Mohammed , Osun state Governor-elect, former Senator Ademola Adeleke, former Senator Dino Melaye; former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor Babangida Aliyu, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, Ogun state PDP Governorship Candidate , Ladi Adebutu, former minister of State, FCT, Mrs. Jumoke Akinjide , Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Ambassador Taofik Arapaja , former Ekiti state Deputy Governor, Professor Olusola Eleka and Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned Governor Seyi Makinde had while giving his speech during the meeting restated the demand by some among his colleague PDP governors that Ayu should resign from his position.
Atiku however noted that immediate and necessary steps would have been taken in respect of what the PDP governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike had demanded for if such was supported by the Constitution of the party.
‘We cannot do anything outside our Constitution except it is amended. We cannot do anything unless the laws are amended, Ayu must go through our constitution, rules, regulations, and our practice, if we do otherwise, we cannot give the kind of leadership Nigerians want’ he submitted.
Atiku also urged leaders and members of the PDP in the South West not to allow such an issue to detract their attention from the upcoming elections, adding that ‘it is possible, it is achievable, we have done it before and we have started doing it’ .
Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde had insisted that Ayu must resign from his position as PDP National Chairman .
He had also noted that there were still some issues to resolve in the party before the elections.
‘If we want to unify Nigeria, we must unify PDP first. If we want a government of national unity, it must reflect in PDP, if we want to restructure in Nigeria, we must restructure PDP first.
Our presidential candidate is from Northeast, our National Chairman is from North Central, the Director General of Atiku campaign, Aminu Tambuwa is from the Northwest, so the PDP National Chairman should step down’ he had submitted.
Also speaking, Osun state Governor-elect, former senator Ademola Adeleke urged Yoruba people to support the Atiku-Okowa presidential ticket, while calling the former Vice President a bridge-builder and a unifier.
‘I warmly welcome you to the South West, your second home. You are part of us in Yorubaland. We are your proud in-law and so we are one with you.
Very soon, it will be my singular honour as a Governor to have the First Lady of Nigeria from my state.
In your professional life, before going into politics, you were an integral part of our region. You served the nation as a public servant but principally across Lagos and our region. So Yoruba people know Atiku and Atiku also knows us.
In your foray into politics, your best confidants are again from this region. From the Yar’Adua era to date, your trusted foot soldiers and associates are not just from the North, but South South, East and South West. You are a pan- Nigerian leader.
Nigeria therefore needs you, a unifier, a bridge -builder and a tested leader as the next President.
Your candidacy is the tonic Nigeria needs to regain her vitality. Your economic blueprint is the best in terms of its workability and applicability.
Waziri is the man to salvage the sinking ship of Nigeria.
I use this platform to call on Yoruba people and Nigerians as a whole to rally round the PDP and her presidential candidate who is ably supported by another great Nigerian, my brother, the Governor of Delta state, Dr IIfeanyi Okowa. An Atiku Presidency will restore peace, stability and prosperity to every home in Nigeria’ he said.
PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Umar Damagum, who spoke on behalf of Ayu, urged party members to show needed commitment and do the needful to ensure that the party records victory in the elections scheduled to hold next year.
Atiku and members of his entourage were received by Oyo state deputy governor , Bayo Lawal at the Alakia Airport, Ibadan- Team@orientactualmags.com
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