Samuel Ortom, the former governor of Benue State, has reaffirmed his dedication to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and denied rumors of switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ortom clarified his stance during the PDP’s expanded caucus meeting in Makurdi on Monday, emphasizing that there are no conflicts between him and his predecessor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, as well as the Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro.
He assured party members that he remains a faithful PDP member and will continue to offer his support as the party’s leader in the state.
He said, “Even this one that they are calling me the leader of the party with lots of responsibilities, they want to take it away from me. I will not leave it for anybody. APC has not invited me to join them. I am committed to the PDP.”
Ortom stressed the need for party unity to overcome the recent election results. He mentioned that pointing fingers at the party’s defeat is not helpful, as the elections are over.
The ex-governor of Benue State highlighted the importance of the PDP coming together and looking towards the future.
“PDP is the only party that is strong and receptive to the yearnings of the people. With our new commitment, we will make the party more vibrant for tommorow. And we shall succeed in future elections.
“I want to also clarify that I do not have any friction with Sen. Abba Moro and Gabriel Suswam. And the rumours that I am decamping to APC are not true. We must respect the party at all times. Let us strategize to return to power. Now is the time to plan ahead. We must plan ahead of them as they did to us in 2023,” Ortom said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, criticized the APC for facing internal issues and mishandling their win within just one year of being in power.
He said, “They do not know how to manage power. So, we should remain steadfast, as the good old days are coming back. Let’s take the party back to the people. Let the people own the party, and let there be transparency.
“As for those waiting for me, Suswam, and Ortom to quarrel, we are not quarrelling now or in the future. We may have fallen, but we will rise again. Let the leaders remain united.”
Additionally, Gabriel Suswam, a former lawmaker who represented Benue North East Senatorial District, advised the party to learn from its defeat in the 2023 election, move on, and progress.
He debunked rumours of a division among leaders of the party, saying, “Ortom, Moro, and I live in Abuja and constantly meet. People want to cause friction to divide the party, and if that happens, it means it is the end of the party. Between us, we have agreed to work together, so those spreading rumors should desist from it.”
The State Chairman of PDP, Sir John Ngbede, warned against spreading rumors to create conflict, stating that the party is unified and resilient.
