December 10, (THEWILL) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sworn in Senator Iyorchia Ayu as its new National Chairman.
Ayu, along with 20 other members of the new National Working Committee (NWC), were sworn in on Friday at the International Conference Centre, and Abuja.
The party’s new national leaders were also presented with Certificates of Return.
In his acceptance speech, Ayu vowed that his leadership would reposition the party and work towards reclaiming the Presidency in 2023.
He said, “Our task at this auspicious moment is to return the party to the people. But to do that, the party needs to be reinvigorated, reinvented, and repositioned. We are not unmindful of our missed steps and actions in the past, but we have learned our lessons, both in government and in opposition.
“Today, we stand tall, and with a firm resolve to rebuild our great party and rescue our nation.“
Ayu said the new NWC will be guided by consultation, teamwork, internal democracy, and national interest.
“We shall endeavor to reach out to all party members, young and old, male and female.
“This NWC will create alternate platforms within the party to actively engage the young people and our women. They will be engaged, not only for mobilizing and winning elections but for advocacy, policy formulation, and the design of a new development agenda for the party.
“We shall return the party to vigorous discussions; pay serious attention to new thinking and the implementation of policies and programs that will secure and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians”, he said, adding that the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) would be revived and strengthened to drive the process.
The new chairman said that before the next election cycle, the new NWC would present a PDP manifesto that would bring back hope to the people.
Ayu, who added that “PDP is back to rescue and rebuild Nigeria”, urged Nigerians to keep their faith in one, united Nigeria.
He expressed optimism in the return of the party to power by 2023, saying a PDP administration would change the narrative and unite the people.
“We will deepen the content of our democracy. We will rebuild our collapsed economy. We will make Nigerians the focus of development,” Ayu said.
He called on all non-PDP members to join the party, saying “our umbrella can accommodate all of us.”
Ayu also urged all PDP members who left to come back; saying the party’s doors were still open.
He appreciated all members of the PDP across Nigeria for their prayers, support, and commitment to ensuring the emergence of a new NWC under his leadership.
Ayu appreciated the outgoing NWC and other party leaders in ensuring a hitch-free National Convention.
THEWILL recalls that at its National Convention on 30th and 31st October 2020 at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the PDP elected a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, as its National Chairman and a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, as deputy National Chairman (South).
Below are the full names and positions of new national officers who emerged at the convention and were sworn in on Friday.
Dr. Iyorchia Ayu – National Chairman
Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South)
Umar Damagum – Deputy National Chairman (North)
Senator Samuel Anyanwu – National Secretary
Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed – National Treasurer
Hon. Umaru Bature, Sokoto – National Organising Secretary
Daniel Woyengikuro – National Financial Secretary
Prof. Stella Effa-Attoe – National Women’s Leader
Muhammed Suleiman – Youth Leader
Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade – National Legal Adviser
Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary
Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – National Auditor
Arch. Setoji Kosheodo – Deputy National Secretary
Ndubuisi Eneh David – Deputy National Treasurer
Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi – Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Sen. Ighoyota Amori – Deputy National Organising Secretary
Hon. Adamu D.U Kamale – Deputy National Financial Secretary
Hajara Yakubu Wanka – Deputy National Women’s Leader
Timothy Osadolor – Deputy National Youth Leader
Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha – Deputy National Legal Adviser
Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed – Deputy National Auditor.
