Ortom welcomes new PDP acting National Chairman, faults suspended leadership over party crisis

Ortom welcomes new PDP acting National Chairman, faults suspended leadership over party crisis

By Johnson Arua

Former Governor of Benue State and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Samuel Ortom, has expressed concern over the escalating leadership crisis within the party, which recently led to the suspension of National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and five members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Terver Akase, the PDP stalwart attributed the turmoil to what he described as poor cohesion and ineffective management of the party’s internal affairs by its suspended leadership.

He recalled offering constructive advice to party leaders in the past on resolving disagreements amicably, lamenting that his counsel was ignored. According to him, the leadership failed to seize the opportunity to rise above personal interests and unify the party.

“Democracy thrives when people of diverse views and interests come together to find common ground for the good of all,” Ortom said, stressing the need for consensus-building and inclusion. He faulted recent attempts by some individuals to run party affairs without collective consultation or adherence to internal democratic principles.

Despite the challenges, the former governor expressed optimism that the PDP would overcome its current setback, noting that the party had survived past crises whenever it embraced fairness, dialogue, and inclusiveness.

Ortom congratulated the newly appointed Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, describing his emergence as a fresh opportunity to rebuild trust within the party’s ranks. He urged the new leadership to promptly engage with the Board of Trustees and other party organs to initiate reconciliation efforts that would restore confidence and foster unity.

He further appealed to party members to rally behind Abdulrahman, recommit to PDP ideals, and uphold democratic values.

As the country’s main opposition party, Ortom reminded members that the PDP has a responsibility to provide credible alternatives, hold the government accountable, and safeguard the principles of good governance and democracy.