The Benue Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom along with three other party officials.
This action was taken in response to alleged anti-party activities, marking a tumultuous period within the state’s political landscape.
The suspension was announced after a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the PDP, held in Makurdi. Alongside Ortom, the suspended officials include Isaac Mffor, the state Deputy Chairman of the PDP, and Bemgba Iortyom, the state Publicity Secretary.
The suspensions were officially confirmed in a statement released on Monday by Cornelius Hwande, the Media Consultant of the PDP.
According to Hwande, Ortom’s suspension stemmed from his endorsement of the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election and his statements urging the Benue PDP to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Presidential election. Such endorsements and statements were deemed contrary to the interests and unity of the PDP, leading to the former governor’s suspension.
Furthermore, the party’s Vice Chairman of Zone A, Azua Ashongo, faced suspension for gross insubordination and indiscipline. Mffor and Iortyom were suspended due to their involvement in the alleged snatching of Congress materials intended for the conduct of the recent ward congresses in Buruku and Ushongo local government areas. These actions were viewed as undermining the democratic processes within the party.
The suspensions signal a significant internal conflict within the Benue PDP, potentially affecting its cohesion and strategy ahead of future elections.
