The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has suspended former Governor Samuel Ortom due to alleged anti-party activities.

Ortom, who is allied with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is accused of leading and supporting the theft of election materials during recent Ward Congresses.

This was announced in a statement on Monday by Joseph Nyam, the Secretary of the PDP in Benue State. The party claims Ortom’s actions prevented the conduct of congresses in several local government areas, including Buruku, Gboko, Ushongo, Guma, Tarka, Kwande, and Ohimini. Along with Ortom, three others—Isaacs Mffo, Azua Ashongo, and Bemgba Iortyom—were also suspended.

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

Chief Bemgba Iortyom, the party’s state publicity officer, announced this suspension in a statement released in Makurdi.

These three leaders were suspended for one month due to accusations of impersonation and causing disruptions during the ward congresses, among other charges.

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

The statement reads partly;

“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.”