Suswam’s kinsmen visit Ortom in solidarity
…As Former Gov Calls for Party Unity
Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, has urged party stakeholders to set aside their differences and unite for a stronger party.
Ortom has repeatedly appealed to all factions and supporters, including those of Senator Gabriel Suswam, to embrace peace and work towards the collective good of the PDP. He acknowledged that political disagreements are inevitable but emphasized that such differences should enrich the party’s democratic process rather than divide it.
He specifically called on stakeholders to remain focused on the shared objectives of the PDP and to support the State Caretaker Committee established by the National Working Committee, aiming for stability and success in upcoming congresses. Ortom also encouraged members to put behind them the crisis that affected the party’s performance in the 2023 elections and to work harder to bring back former members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chief Ortom made the call when a delegation of Sankera PDP stakeholders paid him a solidarity visit to express their loyalty and to appreciate his contributions to the party’s success in the Sankera axis, from ward to local government and state congresses.
He urged party members to intensify their membership drive and hold meetings with both existing and returning members.
The former governor emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, urging ward, local government, and state executive committee members not to discriminate against new or rejoining members who have set aside past differences. He called for equal treatment of party members at all levels, fostering unity and cohesion.
“Let us put behind us the past grievances. This is the time you have to work harder than before and bring back some of those who want to join us. I know that many people are yearning to return to the party, let us begin a new journey, and with God on our side, we will get the power back to our party in 2027,” Ortom stated.
Ortom remains committed to the PDP, dismissing any rumors of defection, and continues to play a leading role in efforts to unify and rebuild the party in Benue State.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Zonal Chairman of the PDP for Zone A, Hon. Abraham Waroh, stated that the Sankera people decided to visit Chief Ortom to show appreciation for his leadership of the party, even after leaving office. He reaffirmed Sankera PDP’s unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of the former governor.
In separate remarks, Dr. James Anbua, Ambassador Chive Kaave, Aondoakura Orngu, and Victor Kpandegh expressed their firm support for Chief Ortom, describing Sankera as standing solidly behind him and highlighting his role as a beacon of minority politics in Nigeria.
Other speakers, including Hon. Tor Aye, Deacon Dan Abagu, Hon. Terver Kaki, Mrs Dorcas Iorver, and Adagi Igba, speaking on behalf of the youth, lauded Chief Ortom as a leader who champions fairness, justice, and equity. They called on Sankera people, known for their commitment to fair play, to rally behind the former governor.
Akura Orngu particularly remarked, “This is the first time fairness has taken centre stage in selecting EXCO members; it is evident that God is involved.”
Victor Kpandegh added, “Chief Ortom is a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, and it is best to support him.”
The visit culminated in a minute silence for victims of Fulani herdsmen’s attacks in Sankera and other parts of the state. Prayers were also offered for divine guidance for Chief Ortom to realize his aspirations, and he was decorated in traditional attire as a sign of respect and solidarity.
Members of Chief Ortom’s entourage included Hon. Barr. Michael Gusa, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Hon. Terver Akase, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; and Hon. Abrahams Kwaghngu, former Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties.
