Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, has hinted that the party under his leadership will place more premium on those hungry for results than politicians with big names.
Ayu spoke Tuesday in Otukpo during the decamping of a serving House of Assembly member, Baba Odeh and Alex Enokela, aka Ochacho Jnr and thousands of their supporters from APC into the PDP.
He said, “under my leadership of the PDP, it will not just be about big men who have no connection with their people. If you are a big name in the PDP, let us know what you have done in your polling booths, in your wards and your local governments.
“Those politicians who stay in Abuja and do not go to their people have no value to the PDP. Those who have value to the PDP are people who are always with their people. They are like fish that swim in water”.
Ayu bemoaned the poor state the country has found itself, saying there is “presently a wrong leadership in the country under the APC that has turned Nigeria into a killing field,” stressing that the country must be rescued and rebuilt.
Governor Samuel Ortom in a remark said the PDP is a party to beat in Benue at all times, pointing out that with the defection of Baba Odeh, the PDP in Benue now has 24 out of 30 Assembly members.
The Governor who pledged the commitment of the PDP in the state to ensuring justice, equity and fairness at all times, urged the decampees to register with the party in their wards in order to become bonafide members.
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark said the road to 2023 is rough and tough but expressed confidence that Ayu has what it takes to deliver the PDP, assuring that the people of Benue South will give him full support.
Benue State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu urged those who joined the PDP today not to look back while Senator Abba Moro expressed delight that the ‘decampees went out with brooms but saw nothing to sweep and returned back to the PDP.’
Lead defectors, Hon Baba Odeh and Alex Ogbe said they were happy to rejoin the PDP fold, pointing out that they were in Egypt but decided to return to the promised land.
Some of the leaders that decamped included Hon Adakole Ijogi, Hon Versace Agida, Mrs Uneh Egba, Hon Austine Ikeh, Hon Dan Ale and Hon Dan Atayi and their supporters.