By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s youth group has endorsed Senator Gabriel Suswam for the position of the party’s national chairman.

The group, operating under the aegis of PDP Youth Movement, explained that its position was taken after its Expanded National Executives Council Meeting,held virtually on Monday, 9th April, 2024, “where members of National Executives Council, 6 Zonal coordinators and 36 state and FCT chairmen of our revered movement deliberated.”

The PYM said it was behind Senator Gabriel Suswam to complete Ayu’s tenure as National Chairman of the PDP.

In a statement, the group which insisted that PDP urgently needs leadership that will address internal issues and unite its members, noted that Senator Suswam is not only the best fit for the job but also a leader who can do the right thing.

The statement was signed by the group’s acting National President, Engr. Sheriff Ekawo, National Secretary,Gbe Orduen Benjamin, BoT chairman,Engr. Lukman Salahuedeen, among others.

“This endorsement echoes the sentiments of PDP youth in the 36 states and FCT, constituting the strongest voting population within the party. This endorsement comes in light of the imminent vacancy left by Senator Iyorchia Ayu, and it reflects the collective voice of PDP youth across the country, “the statement read.

It read in part:”Arising from the Expanded National Executives Council Meeting of our dear movement held virtually on Monday, 9th April, 2024, where members of National Executives council, 6 Zonal Coordinators and 36 state and FCT Chairmen of our revered movement deliberated.

“The state of our party was review viza viz the recent happenings and development. Of great importance and national concern  are two major resolutions reached on state of office of National Chairman of our party, the incumbent acting chairman and the necessity for a round peg in a round hole as replacement for court sacked former national chairman Dr Iyorcha Ayu.

“PDP NYM as one of the formidable PDP youth group in the country, politely align with the position of 60 National Assembly Members elected on the platform of our great party, calling for immediate resignation of Amb Ilya Damagun as Acting National Chairman and return to original position of Vice Chairman North, this is not in anyway ignoring his effort thus far in holding brief for the party as acting National chairman.

 “However, the obvious need for substantial National Chairman who should be front the region where the party zoned the position to during national convention informed our decision, aside the perceive incompetence exhibited by acting chairman who have refused to honor and respect party constitution in all her operations since assumption of office of chairman in acting capacity. We have add voice Honorably to made this important call on Amb Ilya, believing he’s a Honorable individual, a respected leader with highest level of moral and ethical values hence await his swift action in this regards for the sake of our dear party PDP and Nigeria nation. “

It further read:”This endorsement echoes the sentiments of PDP youth in the 36 states and FCT, constituting the strongest voting population within the party. This endorsement comes in light of the imminent vacancy left by Senator Iyorchia Ayu, and it reflects the collective voice of PDP youth across the country.

“Senator Gabriel Suswam’s commitment to the PDP since its inception in 1998 is remarkable, standing firm even in the face of defeat in the 2015 and 2023 elections, a testament to his unwavering loyalty to our great party.

“Sen. Suswam With a background in law and a rich political career that includes two terms as governor and service in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Suswam brings a wealth of experience to the table.

“It is noteworthy to recall the precedent set in 2016 when His Excellency Ali Modu Sheriff, from the North East zone, was appointed to replace Adamu Mu’azu as National Chairman, who was also from the same zone, to complete his term. Similarly, the PDP in this present dispensation appointed Hon. Amina Arong to replace the national woman leader Stella Effah-Attoe, a professor, who died on October 29, 2023. Therefore, Senator Suswam’s candidacy not only aligns with established party practices but also reflects the spirit of inclusivity and diversity that defines the PDP.

“Senator Suswam’s candidacy signifies a new chapter for the PDP, one marked by unity, progress, and a renewed sense of purpose. As the party strives to reclaim its position as Nigeria’s strongest political force, Senator Gabriel Suswam stands ready to lead the way.

“The PDP urgently needs leadership that will address internal issues and unite its members. Senator Suswam is the best fit for the job. He is not fronting for anyone; he is a leader who can do the right thing. He won’t dance to the drumbeat of anyone except that which will bring prosperity to the party.”