PDP Suspends Former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom

Samuel Ortom

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has suspended the immediate past governor of the State, Samuel Ortom over allegations of anti-party activities.

Ortom, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was accused by the state chapter of leading and abetting the snatching of election materials during the recent Ward Congresses.

This was made known in a statement on Monday signed by the Secretary of the party in Benue State, Joseph Nyam.

The party stated that the action of the former governor resulted in the non-conduct of congresses in several local government areas, including Buruku, Gboko, Ushongo, Guma, Tarka, Kwande, and Ohimini.

Ortom was suspended alongside three others; Isaacs Mffo, Azua Ashongo and Bemgba Iortyom.

The PDP in Benue State is embroiled in turmoil following the alleged suspension of State Chairman, Sir John Ngbede, State Secretary, Joseph Nyam, and State Organising Secretary, Moses Audu by the State Working Committee (SWC).

This suspension was announced in a statement released on Monday in Makurdi by Chief Bemgba Iortyom, the party’s state publicity officer.

According to the statement, the three leaders were handed a one-month suspension due to accusations of impersonation and inciting disruptions during the recently concluded ward congresses, among other charges.

They have been summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee to address the allegations.

The statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has suspended three members of its State Working Committee from office for a period of one month with immediate effect.

“The affected officials are the state chairman, John Ngbede; the state secretary, Joseph Nyam; and the state organizing secretary, Moses Audu.

“The action was carried at an extraordinary meeting of the State Working Committee of the party on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at which nine out of the 13 members were present and assented to the decision.

“The suspended members are accused of forging and impersonating the State Working Committee to achieve their individual aims, instigating violence and crisis during the just concluded Ward Congresses of the party, and mismanagement of the finances of the party, among other things.

“They have been directed to appear before the disciplinary committee of the party to answer the charges brought against them within the period of their suspension.

“The State Deputy Chairman, Isaac Mffo, is now the State Chairman of the PDP in Benue State in an acting capacity. The PDP family and the general public should take note.”