The turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State intensified when the suspended group, led by chairman John Ngbede, held a meeting to finalize the suspension of former governor Samuel Ortom.
At the party secretariat in Makurdi, Ngbede told reporters that Ortom and his associates were suspended for attempting to forcibly take over the party’s leadership. He claimed that the former governor and his supporters aimed to return the party to a period characterized by corruption.
On August 5, Ngbede, along with the party’s secretary and organizing secretary, were suspended by a letter from Publicity Secretary Bemgba Iortyom, accusing them of misconduct during the recent ward congresses. Ngbede rejected the suspension, stating that only the national executive committee has the authority to impose such actions.
“Our official term ended on August 4, but we’re awaiting guidance from the national secretariat. Only the state executive committee has the authority to suspend me due to my role on the national executive committee,” Ngbede said.
He acknowledged that the former governor was suspended by the state working committee for trying to forcibly take control of the party. Ngbede stressed that the party should not revert to previous practices of vote manipulation and should accurately reflect the will of its members.
On Tuesday, only the chairman, secretary, and organizing secretary—who are reportedly suspended—were at the party secretariat, preparing for a meeting that could confirm the suspension of the former governor and others.
Former governor Ortom, through his media spokesperson Terver Akase, stated that he cannot be suspended from the party. Akase argued that the suspended chairman lacked the authority to call meetings, and any such meetings held without Ortom’s approval are invalid.
Akase further explained that Ortom remains the party leader in the state, and meetings not sanctioned by him are not legitimate. The suspension of the chairman, secretary, and organizing secretary was decided by nine out of thirteen members, which is close to 90 percent, and they do not have the authority to convene meetings during their suspension. The suspension letter was signed by an official who was suspended at the time, rendering it invalid. Akase emphasized that only acting chairman Isaac Mffo has the authority to call meetings and encouraged the suspended officials to appear before the conflict resolution panel for investigation.