Former Benue State governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will survive its internal crisis, calling on supporters to remain steadfast.
Ortom spoke on Sunday in Makurdi while hosting former aides who paid him a solidarity visit.
He said the party’s leadership was working to strengthen its structures nationwide and expressed optimism ahead of a National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Monday.
The former governor dismissed the Ibadan convention, describing it as illegitimate and insisting that only the PDP leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the authority to conduct party affairs, including the nomination of candidates.
According to him, the NEC meeting would deliberate on unresolved congresses in 14 states and set the stage for a credible national convention.
Ortom said reconciliation efforts were ongoing to bring all factions and supporters of the party together.
He also clarified that his political alignment with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was aimed at fostering peace in Benue State, not partisan advantage.
Addressing traditional rulers, Ortom advised them to remain neutral and avoid endorsing political candidates.
Speaking for the former aides, Adzer Abya praised Ortom’s leadership, particularly his stance on security and the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017.
The aides reaffirmed their support for the former governor, pledging loyalty as he continues his political engagements.
