Benue: See What PDP do to Address Ortom-Suswam Dispute
On Wednesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) established a 17-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s operations in Benue State and address internal conflicts, particularly the ongoing dispute between former governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.
The committee, chaired by retired General Napoleon Bali, has been tasked with resolving the factionalism that has plagued Benue PDP following the recent ward congress. This discord resulted in the suspension of various party leaders and counter-suspensions that further exacerbated the crisis.
Last week, Ortom’s supporters suspended Benue PDP Chairman John Ngbede, along with the Secretary and Organizing Secretary. In response, the State Working Committee loyal to Suswam issued a suspension against Ortom, prompting his supporters to call for an investigation into Suswam for alleged anti-party conduct.
In light of these developments, the PDP National Working Committee dissolved the State Working Committee due to the expiration of their tenure and appointed the caretaker committee to restore order. During the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized that the committee should focus on the party’s unity and avoid personal agendas. He expressed confidence in Bali’s ability to leverage his conflict resolution experience as a retired general to address the situation effectively.
Chairman Bali accepted the role with a commitment to impartiality, stating, “This is not about Ortom or Suswam; with the support of this committee, we will work towards uniting all factions.”
Damagum highlighted the committee’s primary objective: to facilitate the election of a new executive during the ongoing congress. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the party’s needs over personal interests and urged the committee to work inclusively, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses within the party.
In a post-inauguration interview, Bali expressed optimism about the PDP’s future in Benue State. He stated, “We will work as a team, and by the grace of God, the PDP will reclaim leadership of Benue State in 2027.”
