The Peoples Democratic Party Coalition for Professional Groups and Peaceful Co-existence (PDPCUP) has expressed confidence that Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP national chairman, would lead the party to victory in 2023.

PDPCUP national coordinator Muhammad Dan’auta disclosed this during the pressure group’s meeting in Kaduna on Sunday.

Mr Dan’auta said the PDP chair would bring the party out of its challenges and set it on the road to victory.

He said Mr Ayu deserved all the support from PDP leaders because of his previous records as a committed, hardworking, calm and focused politician who has sacrificed for the party and the country.

“His calmness, faithfulness, perseverance and focus will surely ensure unity in the party, drive PDP to victory and work towards rebuilding the country for the good of all,” Mr Dan’auta explained. “He is a leader, pathfinder and an icon of hope for many positive things to come for the country.”

The national coordinator promised to work with great care to promote PDP presidential flagbearer, Mr Abubakar Atiku and other candidates across the north-western states for the party’s victory.

He also expressed confidence in Abubakar’s ability to lead the country.

“We are confident that the Abubakar-led government, if given the opportunity, will unite Nigerians to work for the greater good of the country,” Mr Dan’auta stated. “We are hopeful that Nigerians will trust Abubakar enough to give him the mandate by coming out en masse to vote for PDP and protect their votes. I urged Nigerians to be wary of desperate politicians with ethnic and religious tendencies that will divide the country and truncate our developing democracy and evolving peace.”

He advised politicians and their supporters against using vulgar language that will heat the polity.

Reports that for months, the PDP G5 – Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) – have been consistent in their demand that Mr Ayu step down as PDP national chairman as a precondition to campaign for Abubakar.

Mr Wike leads the G-5.

The governors argue that Messrs Ayu and Atiku both hail from the North. 

The group emerged after the PDP presidential primary, where Mr Abubakar defeated Mr Wike and other aspirants to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

(NAN)