Ayu: Nigerians not interested in PDP crisis — they want us back in power

Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asked all members to support the party’s campaign ahead of the 2023 general election. 

Ayu said this on Monday at the flag-off of the PDP presidential rally in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.

Ayu, who was alluding to the camp of Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, said the PDP needs every member to get “on board” and campaign for the party’s victory in the 2023 polls.

Wike and his supporters had vowed not to participate in the PDP’s presidential campaign until Ayu resigns as the national chairman.

The Rivers governor and his allies, including — Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu — were absent from the flag-off ceremony on Monday.

Ayu expressed optimism over the party’s chances, saying the campaign is off to a “slow” start so that other aggrieved members can join.

“We are moving slowly so that those who are yet on board will join us on the train. It is important for us as leaders. Nigeria is not interested in our personal quarrels; Nigeria is waiting for us to come and rescue them from what is worrying them,” he said.

“Nigerians are hungry; Nigerians are suffering from all sorts of sickness; Nigerians cannot move from one point to another without worries; Nigerians cannot sleep because of insecurity.

“Nigerians are getting more and more divided; Nigerians are complaining and are hoping that what we did for them in the last 16 years, we will come back and do it for them again.

“Let us all join hands together because we have the solution. Already, we have penned down the covenant with Nigerians. We will restore the economy to its glory.

“All young people will get jobs; the economy will grow; there will be more industries. Every PDP governor has performed well. Therefore, when we get to power from state houses of assembly to the state governors, the national assembly, we need all of them to support our president who is coming to power next year to redeem Nigerians. PDP will not disappoint you.”