Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – The crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), continues to escalate as the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has rejected the ‘purported’ suspension by the party’s ward executive committee. The controversy around Ayu’s leadership has been heightened by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s recent remarks, claiming that Ayu has failed woefully as PDP chair and expressing his support for the suspension.
Ayu Rejects ‘Purported’ Suspension
In response to the ‘purported’ suspension, Ayu has dismissed the decision by the ward executive committee, stating that it has no legal basis. According to Vanguardngr, the PDP chairman said that the committee lacks the jurisdiction to suspend him, arguing that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party can take such action.
Wike: Ayu’s Failure and Support for Suspension
Governor Nyesom Wike, a prominent member of the PDP, has publicly criticized Ayu’s leadership, claiming that he is responsible for the party’s poor performance in recent elections. In an interview with TheCable, Wike stated that Ayu has failed woefully as the PDP chair and expressed his support for the suspension. He emphasized that Ayu’s inadequacies have significantly contributed to the party’s election failures.
PDP Denies Suspending Iyorchia Ayu
In a twist to the ongoing crisis, the PDP has denied suspending its National Chairman. Daily Post reported that the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement that the news of Ayu’s suspension is false and should be disregarded by the public. Ologunagba claimed that the ward executive committee does not have the power to suspend the National Chairman and urged party members to remain focused on strengthening the party.
Implications for the PDP
The ongoing crisis within the PDP raises concerns over the party’s unity and ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections. The public disagreement between party leaders like Ayu and Wike further exacerbates the situation, potentially undermining the PDP’s chances of regaining power.
In summary, the PDP crisis involving National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and his rejection of the ‘purported’ suspension has intensified due to Governor Wike’s criticism and support for the suspension. As the party denies the suspension and its internal strife continues, the PDP’s future hangs in the balance, with potential ramifications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
