- Caution those peddling rumours to cause disaffection to desist
Former Governor of Benue state, Chief Samuel Ortom says he has no plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), for the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The former Governor also clarified that contrary to rumours making the round he has no rift with his predecessor Senator Gabriel Suswam and the Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro.
Addressing members of the PDP at the party’s expanded caucus meeting held Monday in Makurdi, Chief Ortom said he remains a bona-fide member of the PDP and would continue to support the party given his current status as leader of the party in the state.
He said, “even this one that they are calling me leader of the party with lots of responsibilities, they want to take it away from me. I will not leave it for nobody. APC has not invited me to join them. I am committed to the PDP.”
While calling for unity in the party to overcome the outcome of the last elections, Chief Ortom said “there is no need to put blame on anyone over our loss. The elections have come and gone, we must draw a line and forge ahead.
“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 rumors that I am decamping to APC is not true. We must respect the party at all times. Let us strategize to return to power. Now is time to plan ahead. We must plan ahead of them as they did to us in 2023.”
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro lampooned the APC for running into crisis and mismanaging its victory in less than one year in office.
According to him, “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.”
Also, former lawmaker representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Gabriel Suswam advised that party to put aside its defeat in the 2023 election, learn from it and forge ahead.
He also denied rumours of rift 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.”
Earlier, the State Chairman of PDP, Sir John Ngbede cautioned those peddling rumours to cause disaffection to desist assuring that the party was united and strong.
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