Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had not changed its national leadership the party would have collapsed.
The Governor who spoke Sunday at the Special Thanksgiving and reception held in honour of the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu in Makurdi, said the change of the leadership was key to the electoral victory of the party in 2023.
While declaring support for the new National Chairman, Governor Wike said “we believe in you by giving you support to be the Chairman of our party. We do not want to have a situation where we will continue to have the defection of our members in the National Assembly, we do not want further defection of our members from our party.
“We want you to use your experience as people have said to make sure that even those who have left the party return back because they know that in all sincerity there is no opportunity on the other side.
“I supported you, I voted for you, because I have the believe that you can turn this PDP to success in 2023. I thank God, today I am one of the happiest persons because a new leadership has emerged I am very very happy.
“Because I know that if we did not do this, this party would have collapsed. I am very happy and most of you who refused to listen at that time you have now realized that that changing leadership is the key for this party to win in 2023.
“And I thank God that it is on you, and I will continue to make sure that you do the right thing and continue to make sure you are focused in the party, I will continue to make sure nobody distracts you, I will continue to make sure the Governors will give you the necessary support so that you can record achievements and in 2023 you will be happy and attest that God used you to produce a leadership that will make Nigeria better.
“But if you are not doing well, Mr. Chairman I will shout, I will say Mr. Chairman this is not what we expected from you.”
