By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, has denied speculations making the rounds in the state that the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in deep crisis as a result of consultations towards picking consensus candidates to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming elections.
A statement by Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ortom, on Tuesday dismissed the speculations as “unfounded gossip.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has been drawn to some online media reports alleging a split in the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) family over the ongoing consultation towards consensus candidates for the forthcoming elections. This is false.
“Ordinarily, we will not give attention to such unfounded gossip or accord its response with an official seal but for the sake of the less knowledgeable about the political dynamics of the Benue state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all stakeholders in the PDP family led by Governor Ortom have been meeting and consulting on all elective positions and the best way possible to produce candidates for the 2023 elections. This is to avoid rancour and maintain a harmonious political family.
“The essence is to achieve consensus and run an inclusive party where everyone would be carried along as a stakeholder.
“In all the meetings so far, it has been more like a family affair under a convivial atmosphere and there has not been any case of disagreement or altercation of any kind.
“It is therefore a surprise to read media reports alleging a split in the ranks of our political leaders. There is nothing like that. At best, it is in the imagination of the writers, particularly the opposition party who have not developed the capacity for a harmonious and an all-embracing election processes for the good of their members that are spreading baseless information.
“It is a fact that the PDP family in Benue is united and working in one accord. Those trying to insinuate disaffection amongst our leaders will be disappointed because the PDP will come out from this exercise stronger and better prepared for victory in the 2023 general elections.
“We, therefore, urge all our members to disregard any insinuation to that effect. Governor Ortom is providing the right leadership in consultation with the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, Senator Gabriel Suswam and many others. And we shall sail to the promised undistracted.”
