Ayu: Those Calling for My Sacking Are Children

Ayu, who spoke in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, said he was not bothered by the calls for his removal.

Speaking with the BBC Hausa Service, Ayu characterised persons calling for his removal as “children”, saying, “When we started PDP, these children were not around. They are children who do not know why we formed the party. We will not allow any individual to destabilise our party.”

He added, “I was voted as PDP Chairman for a four-year tenure and I’m yet to complete a year. Atiku’s victory doesn’t affect the chairman’s position. I won my election based on our party’s constitution.

“I didn’t commit any offence. I’m only reforming the party, so I’m not bothered with all the noises. I know I’m doing my work and I didn’t steal any money, so I see no reason for all these talks.”

Wike had led a campaign for Ayu’s resignation or removal from office after losing the PDP presidential primary, which he believed he was poised to win, but for a last minute withdrawal in favour of Atiku Abubakar by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. The Rivers State governor felt the outcome of the PDP presidential primary was the product of a pre-planned conspiracy against him that was supervised by the national chairman.

The disagreements had seemed to worsen after the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, emerged vice presidential candidate. This further enraged Wike and tended to embolden other voices accusing PDP of lopsidedness in favour of the north, and against the south.