There have been demands for the resignation or removal of Mr Ayu following the crisis that trailed the opposition party after the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as its 2023 presidential candidate in May.
The National Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a vote of confidence in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The NWC is headed by the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
The vote of confidence was passed on the NWC on Thursday, in Abuja.
This was a sequel to the adoption of a motion on a vote of confidence moved by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu.
Moving the motion, Mr Elumelu commended Mr Ayu and the NWC for their doggedness and for delivering Osun State to the party in the 18 July governorship election in the state.
He also praised the NWC for showing maturity despite disagreement among some members.
“We have decided…because the NWC has tremendously performed,” he said. “I move that a vote of confidence be put before the NWC for their doggedness, forthrightness and their professionalism especially in giving us Osun State and I believe they will give us Nigeria come 2023,” Mr Elumelu said.
His motion was seconded by an APC defector, Ishola Balogun-Fulani. And thereafter, the acting chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, put the motion to a voice vote – which was adopted unanimously.
The vote of confidence comes amid crisis rocking the party with some aggrieved members led by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, calling for the resignation of Mr Ayu.