...Ortom backs him, says imposition undemocratic
National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu says the party under his leadership will not give room for imposition of candidates.
Ayu spoke just as the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom aligned with the National Chairman, insisting that imposition of candidates is undemocratic and will not augur well for the party in 2023.
Senator Ayu spoke Saturday,11th December, 2021 at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while addressing stakeholders of the PDP during his first visit to the state as National Chairman of the PDP.
He stated that under his tenure, whoever emerges as candidate for any elective position will be protected, pointing out that he has a competent team that has been carefully elected for the enormous task ahead.
The former Senate President charged party faithful to go back to their wards and work hard to ensure victory for the PDP in all elections in 2023, stressing that the party must rescue Nigeria from APC's misrule.
The National Chairman acknowledged the support shown him before and after his emergence by Governor Ortom, Senator David Mark and other critical stakeholders, saying it's an indication of a united Benue.
He said with the commitment shown by leaders who stood behind him for his election, it is a clear indication that Benue can win anytime but "when we fight against each other, victory will elude us."
Senator Ayu pledged the commitment of the National Working Committee of the PDP towards rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria, stressing that the party is poised to reclaim power at the centre in 2023.
Governor Samuel Ortom in a remark, corroborated Ayu's position against imposition of candidates, saying, transparency, justice and equity should be allowed to play out, even as he encouraged consensus arrangement.
The Governor advised the NWC of the PDP to work as a team in order to ensure victory for the party at all levels in 2023, saying the APC's failure is an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim their position and rebuild Nigeria.
While thanking Senator David Mark and other Northern leaders for standing firm to ensure the emergence of Ayu, Governor Ortom announced that the PDP in Benue will be receiving other ranking politicians into its fold in the days ahead.
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark acknowledged the degree of responsibility the nation has placed on the PDP, saying the party has no excuse but to succeed.
He prayed God to grant Ayu the wisdom and courage to lead the party in the right direction, saying Benue people will reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly behind him.
Senator Ayu and other members of the NWC of the PDP were later decorated in the Benue unity attires by Governor Samuel Ortom and other top government officials.