The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Frontier (PDPYF) has called for a broader approach to selecting the party’s next National Chairman, emphasizing that the decision should involve the entire North Central region rather than being limited to Benue State. The group insists that qualified leaders from across the region should be considered for the key role.
At a press briefing held on Sunday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the PDPYF, Austin Okai, expressed concern over the current focus on selecting a successor to the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, solely from Benue. He criticized the narrow focus on prominent political figures like former Senate President David Mark and Senator Gabriel Suswam, both of whom hail from Benue, as potential candidates for the position.
Okai argued that the position of National Chairman belongs to the entire North Central zone, which includes states like Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa. “There are competent and qualified leaders from other states in the North Central region who can lead the PDP to greater heights. The selection process should reflect the diversity and talent present across the region,” he stated.
He further emphasized that limiting the search to Benue alone undermines the contributions and leadership potential of individuals from other North Central states. Okai highlighted prominent figures such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki from Kwara, former Minister of Culture and Tourism Humphrey Abba, and former Deputy Governor of Kogi State Philip Salawu as potential candidates who deserve serious consideration.
“The PDP should not ignore the significant leadership experience and competence of individuals like Abdullahi Maibasira from Niger State and David Ombugadu from Nasarawa State, who have shown the capacity to lead the party forward,” Okai added, stressing that leadership should be about inclusivity and merit, not regional favoritism.
Okai pointed out that the leadership of the North Central zone should have a decisive role in selecting the next National Chairman. He stressed that leaving the decision in the hands of a few individuals from Benue would be a disservice to the broader PDP family in the region. “No one can unilaterally nominate Ayu’s successor without the full input and consent of the North Central zone’s leadership. This is not a decision for Benue alone,” he said.
The PDPYF further noted that expanding the selection process beyond Benue will help the party remain strong and united as it seeks to reposition itself for future elections. Okai urged the leadership of the party to ensure that the selection process is transparent, inclusive, and reflects the interests of the entire North Central zone.
“The PDP needs to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and equity by ensuring that all states within the North Central zone are adequately represented in the decision-making process. The National Chairman is not just a figurehead for the party; it is a position that requires a leader who can unify, inspire, and strengthen the party ahead of future challenges,” Okai concluded.
As the search for the next National Chairman intensifies, the PDPYF’s call for broader participation and inclusion serves as a reminder that the party’s strength lies in its diversity and collective leadership. The group hopes that the PDP leadership will heed their call and select a candidate who can effectively represent the entire North Central region while steering the party toward success in future elections.
