Chief Ortom Readfirms PDP Loyalty, Dismisses Fake Deflection Rumours
….Says Benue PDP Leader Remains Committed to Party, Urges Public to Ignore Social Media Lies
Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has debunked viral social media reports claiming he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the story as a “fake and deliberately misleading” fabrication by mischief makers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by his Media Adviser/Consultant, Akase Terver, Chief Ortom, who remains a key PDP chieftain and the party’s leader in Benue State, warned the public to disregard the baseless rumours entirely.
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The statement, which has since gained attention amid rising political tensions ahead of future elections, accused political opponents of sponsoring desperate social media urchins to undermine his influence.
The controversy erupted when unscrupulous elements circulated a forged APC membership card purportedly belonging to Chief Ortom, in what the statement labelled an “infantile scheme” and “irresponsible act” aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public. ”
The attention of the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has been drawn to a fake and deliberately misleading report circulating on social media claiming that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the statement read. It further described the rumour as “false, baseless, and a mischievous fabrication by a gang of desperate social media urchins sponsored by political opponents who are clearly unsettled by Chief Ortom’s continued relevance and influence.” Chief Ortom, a respected member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party, stating that those peddling the lies “can only wish, because wishful thinking is all they have left.”
The former governor, who handed over power in 2023 after serving two terms marked by landmark policies on agriculture and security in Benue, continues to wield significant sway in the state’s political landscape.
His clarification comes at a time when PDP faithful in Benue are rallying to consolidate ahead of internal party primaries and national realignments.
“Chief Samuel Ortom remains a proud, committed, and influential member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is the leader of the party in Benue State and a respected member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT),” the statement emphasised, urging members of the public to ignore the falsehood in its entirety.
Chief Ortom’s enduring popularity, especially among youth, women and farmers groups, has often irked opponents, fueling such smear campaigns.
As the statement concluded: “Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard and ignore the falsehood in its entirety.”
