The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Frontier has stated that the selection of the party’s National Chairman should not be exclusive to Benue State but should involve the entire North Central region.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the group, Austin Okai, said the successor to the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, should emerge from any of the states within the North Central region.
He criticized the narrow focus on certain political figures from Benue, such as Senators David Mark and Gabriel Suswam, for the position of National Chairman.
Okai argued that this important role belongs to the entire North Central zone and that states like Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa should also be considered.
“There are competent and qualified leaders from other states in the North Central region who can lead the PDP to greater heights,” Okai said.
He highlighted notable figures like former Senate President Bukola Saraki from Kwara State, former Minister of Culture and Tourism Humphrey Abba, and former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Philip Salawu, as potential candidates.
Okai also mentioned Abdullahi Maibasira from Niger State and David Ombugadu from Nasarawa State as capable individuals who deserve consideration.
“We believe that the North Central PDP leadership should have a decisive role in selecting the next National Chairman, rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a few individuals.
“No one can nominate Ayu’s successor without the full input of the North Central zone’s leadership. This is not a decision for Benue alone,” he stressed.
He reminded the public that Benue’s leadership suspended Senator Ayu and should not feel entitled to retain the position without a fair and inclusive process.
“The suspension of Ayu was a decision made by the people of Benue, and they were fully present when this arrangement was set in motion. Their involvement in the process should be reconsidered. We need fresh leadership that can rescue the party and steer it in the right direction,” Okai declared.
Okai also pointed out that Benue already holds significant leadership positions within the party, such as Senator Abba Moro, who serves as the Minority Leader in the Senate, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who is a key North Central leader within the PDP.
He emphasized that the selection of Ayu’s successor should involve critical stakeholders from across the entire North Central zone and not be influenced by individuals from outside the region.
“We have important leaders and stakeholders in the North Central who are capable of making the right decision for the party’s future. It is time to look beyond Benue and open the field to other states within the region,” Okai stated.
He further expressed concern that narrowing the selection to just a few individuals from Benue would be detrimental to the party’s growth and unity.
He, therefore, called for unity and a fair process in the selection of the next PDP National Chairman.
Okai urged the North Central leaders to come together, deliberate, and ensure that the right person is chosen to lead the party forward, stating that this is crucial for the party’s success in future elections.
“The PDP must unite and be fair in its decision-making processes. The North Central has strong, capable leaders who can take the party to the next level. It is time for us to come together and make the right choice,” Okai declared.
