National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, yesterday, dismissed speculations about his status as the leader of the party, saying he has not resigned and would not be forced to resign now, because he was elected for a four-year tenure.

Ayu’s statement came as presidential candidate of PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, led other chieftains of the party to receive some defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State into PDP. Those that accompanied Atiku, aside from Ayu, included ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo; PDP presidential running mate and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Atiku, who personally received the defectors, said his mission in politics in over 30 years had been to serve the people.

But Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who appeared not to be giving up his fight against certain forces in the party, accused some PDP elders in the state of ganging up against him when they failed to clinch the party’s governorship ticket.

In a related development, the Katsina State chapter of PDP alleged that about 20 local government areas in the state were not secure for the 2023 elections because of incessant attacks by terrorists on communities.

A statement from Ayu’s Media Office stated, “We restate, therefore, that the PDP national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has not resigned and has no plan of resigning. For clarity and emphasis, he was elected for a tenure of four years.

“Sections 45 and 47 of the PDP constitution is clear on the removal and/or resignation of the national chairman. Those who don’t know this should get copies of the party’s constitution for more information on the matter.”

Earlier, in a tweet, Ayu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Simon Imobo’tswam, wrote, “The PDP national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has not resigned and has no plan of resigning. For clarity and emphasis, he was elected for a tenure of four years.”

Imobo’tswam followed up with a formal statement that said Ayu’s attention was drawn to a story in some national news media, purporting he had resigned, and particularly insinuating that the alleged resignation letter was with former Senate President David Mark.

The statement said, “If Dr. Ayu had resigned, he would give his resignation letter to the Deputy Chairman (North), not Senator Mark. Section 45 (i and ii) of the party’s constitution is clear on this.

“So, where does Distinguished Senator David Mark come in here, being that he is not even a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)? It appears that those who have been procured to blackmail the national chairman out of office are not even aware of what the party’s constitution says about the matter.

“The national chairman is on a crucial assignment to lead the PDP on a historic rescue mission, come February 2023. And he will not be deterred or distracted by media terrorism or political blackmail. PDP members and the general public are advised to ignore any story of such phantom resignation.”

Meanwhile, while receiving some new members into PDP at the Ribadu Square in Yola, Ayu said the rate of defection from APC to PDP was increasing by the day. He said this was an indication that the opposition party was waxing stronger.

According to a statement by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Ayu said, “It is clear everywhere that the PDP is back. Today, we are here to take in new members into the PDP. Very soon, this venue shall be hosting the president of Nigeria, who is your very own son.

“I welcome the new entrants to our party and I, therefore, hand them over to Governor Fintiri. I urge the governor to continue with his good work in making Adamawa better than he met it.”

Atiku also welcomed the new members of the party, and promised to work with them.

The former vice president told the new PDP members, “I have been serving the people since I joined politics 30 years ago and that is my promise to you all today. I believe that Governor Fintiri has done a good job and that we should join hands to make sure he wins his second term election.”

Speaking on behalf of the supporters and over 160,000 defectors from various wards across the state, a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly from Fufore Gurin constituency, Hon. Shuaibu Babbbas, affirmed their loyalty and commitment to PDP in its quest to oust APC and fix the broken state of the country’s socio-economic and political fabrics.

On arrival at the Yola International Airport, where he was received to a rousing welcome, earlier, Atiku proceeded to the palace of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness Aliyu Musdafa, on a courtesy visit.

He was accompanied by Fintiri, Okowa, and Ayu. It was the first time that the presidential standard bearer would be visiting his home state after the presidential primary election of PDP.

In his remarks at the Lamido’s palace, Atiku said his presentation to the Lamido as the presidential candidate of PDP gave him a sense of nostalgia, because his political career would not have attained this mark but for the prayers and support that he enjoyed from the traditional ruler, his palace, and the entire state.

Atiku stated, “I am an ambassador of this palace, Adamawa State, and Nigeria. I am appreciative of the reception I received today, which is historic and I am promising you that I will represent you and the entire Nigeria well in the assignment ahead of me as your worthy son.”

The Lamido, in his response, said he was pleased and proud to welcome Atiku home after his emergence as the presidential candidate of a major political party.

He told the PDP presidential candidate, “Your triumph is not just a victory for this emirate but the country at large as we continue to provide good leadership. I will implore you to use your experience in the task ahead of you. As a detribalised Nigerian, I am confident of your capacity to lead the nation.

“Your investment in human capital development is a good example of your contribution to the society. I pray that the Almighty remains with you as you strive to become the next president of this country.”