Politics

Former Benue Governor, Ortom Denies Suspension from PDP

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 8th, 2024.

Former Benue Governor, Ortom Denies Suspension from PDP

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has firmly denied recent claims that he has been suspended from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ortom’s media aide, Terver Akase, has declared the suspension reports as unfounded. According to Akase, Ortom continues to hold the position of party leader in Benue State, and any meetings or decisions made without his approval are invalid.

Akase clarified, “Ortom has not been suspended. He remains the party leader in the state, and any actions taken without his consent are considered null and void.” He also pointed out that Benue PDP Chairman John Ngbede, who announced Ortom’s suspension, is himself under a one-month suspension, thus lacking the authority to make such announcements.

On the other hand, Ngbede, addressing the media at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi, confirmed Ortom’s suspension. Ngbede accused the former governor of attempting to seize control of the party’s leadership and revert to previous practices of misconduct.

Ngbede stated, “The State Working Committee suspended the former governor to prevent any individual from forcibly taking over the party’s leadership. The party is for the people, and we must ensure the congress reflects their will.”

Ngbede affirmed his position as Benue PDP Chairman, despite his tenure officially ending on August 4. He is awaiting further instructions from the national secretariat. “Only the state executive committee can suspend me due to my role as a member of the national executive,” he added.