Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, rejected claims of his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Communicating through his media aide, Terver Akase, the ex-governor stated that the alleged suspension was invalid.
Akase asserted, “Ortom has not been suspended. He is the party’s leader in the state, and any meeting held without his approval is ineffective.”
He maintained that the contentious Benue PDP Chairman, John Ngbede, had been suspended for a month and lacked the authority to call a meeting for suspensions.
However, Ngbede, addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters along Otukpo Road in Makurdi on Tuesday, stood by Ortom’s suspension.
He claimed that Ortom was suspended for his attempt to seize control of the PDP leadership in the state and revert to past corrupt practices.
Ngbede stated, “Yes, the former governor was suspended by the State Working Committee of the party because we will not tolerate anyone forcing their way into party leadership.
“The party is for the people, and that is our mission. We will not allow a return to the old days of election manipulation. Let the congress be transparent.”
Ngbede also affirmed his position as the Benue PDP Chairman.
“Technically, our tenure ends on August 4, but we are awaiting instructions from the national headquarters. Only the state executive committee has the power to suspend me as part of the national executive team,” he explained.