Please Help: Removing intermediate shaft.

It's got some buildup or something on the bottom of the shaft below the bushing. Like OOM said - they can get that way. Best bet is to keep working it "up & down" using a large blade screwdriver (that fits the slot well) and some penetrating oil. It will come out - just needs patience. If it was me, when you're done, I'd clean the shaft well, replace the bushing and properly burnish it to final size - and you're good to go.