The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called for an end to the ongoing internal conflict within the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party has been embroiled in a factional crisis following recent ward congresses, leading to the suspension and counter-suspension of key party leaders.
Last week, a faction loyal to Ortom suspended the Benue PDP Chairman, John Ngbede, along with the party’s Secretary and Organising Secretary. In response, the State Working Committee, aligned with former governor Gabriel Suswam, retaliated by suspending Ortom. This move escalated tensions, prompting Ortom’s supporters to summon Suswam for a probe over alleged anti-party activities.
In response to the escalating conflict, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the State Working Committee members whose tenure had expired and announced plans to establish a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs in Benue.
On Monday, Ortom, through a statement released by his media aide, Terver Akase, appealed for peace and unity within the party. He emphasized that political disagreements are natural and can strengthen democratic processes, but urged that such differences should not undermine the party’s cohesion.
“Chief Ortom says in politics, differing opinions and positions are inevitable, but the differences often serve to deepen the democratic process and contribute to enriching discourses within political parties,” the statement read.
Ortom highlighted his long-standing friendship and mutual respect with Senator Suswam, expressing confidence that they would resolve any political disagreements for the greater good of the party. He called on all party stakeholders to remain committed to the shared goals and aspirations of the Benue PDP.
Ortom also praised the PDP members in Benue’s 23 local government areas for their peaceful conduct during the recently concluded ward congresses and urged them to maintain this spirit in the upcoming local government and state congresses.
He further called on party members to support the State Caretaker Committee set up by the NWC, ensuring its success in managing the party’s affairs.
