Nobody will sack me as PDP chairman, I’ll leave when God permits – Ayu

National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorchia Ayu, has said nobody will remove him from his position.

Ayu, according to The Punch, spoke on Friday while addressing his supporters in Gboko, Benue state.

The embattled PDP national chairman has come under pressure of late, with demands for his resignation coming from different quarters.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his allies — including Samuel Ortom, Benue governor — have vowed not to participate in the PDP presidential campaign until Ayu steps down from his position.

Ayu hails from the Tiv-speaking part of Benue as Ortom, and there have been mixed reactions from residents that the governor supports the demand for the resignation of his kinsman.

Speaking on the call for his resignation, Ayu assured his supporters that he will remain in office until God permits he leaves.

He said, “Nothing should worry you, my people. Since I started politics more than 30 years ago, you have never rejected me; you are always supporting me.

“They say a prophet has no respect in his home but my case is different. I am overwhelmed by this great show of love.

“The PDP is one and not divided. I am trying my best not to disappoint the Benue people and Nigerians in general.

“So, if you hear that they want to chase Ayu out as national chairman, don’t be worried. Nobody is going to sack me as national chairman of our party. I will leave the seat on a day that God permits.

“It is God that enthrones leadership — he uses people to enthrone a person over others and protects that person.

“I want to assure you that all these days, God has been protecting me, even when I went on sick leave abroad. God is still protecting me.”

Ayu added that as national chairman, he could have stopped the political ambitions of those calling for his resignation.

Some party members demanding Ayu’s resignation are seeking elective offices in the 2023 general election.