Amid the festering crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has advised the embattled party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign in keeping with his earlier promise to quit the stage if a northerner emerges the presidential candidate of the party.
Ayu had reportedly promised after he was elected chairman that he would resign if a northern candidate emerges as presidential flag bearer of the PDP.
Speaking during the Executive Council meeting in Government House in Makurdi at the weekend, Ortom urged Ayu to honour his words and resign as PDP chairman.
It is the first time Ortom, the governor of Ayu’s home State would openly asked the PDP’s chair to throw in the towel.
The governor said: “Ayu told the whole world that if a northern candidate emerges he will resign. So where is the honour now to continue in office?” he asked.
“If you don’t want to resign, beg for pardon. But it is not enough to say your tenure is four years and you won’t resign, as you said it yourself.”