Ortom Voices Concern Over PDP Changes, Extends Congrats to New Acting National Chairman

Table of Contents

• Governor Ortom's Concerns
• Crisis in the PDP
• Leadership Responsibilities
• Optimism for the Future
• New Acting National Chairman
• Call to Action for Party Members

The former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has voiced significant concern regarding the recent events in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which led to the suspension of the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, along with five members of the National Working Committee.

Ortom attributes the ongoing crisis to what he perceives as a lack of unity in the management of the party’s internal affairs by its leadership.

He recalls having previously met with the party’s leaders to offer constructive suggestions aimed at resolving the disputes in a way that would benefit all stakeholders. Unfortunately, he laments that his advice was disregarded.

According to Chief Ortom, the PDP leadership had the chance to prioritize collective interests and unify the party, yet they fell short of fulfilling this responsibility.

Chief Ortom emphasized that democracy is fundamentally about inclusion and consensus-building, rather than authoritarianism or exclusion.

“Democracy flourishes when individuals with differing views and interests collaborate to find common ground for the benefit of all. It is, therefore, the leaders' duty to reconcile varying opinions and foster a sense of belonging among members. Sadly, what we have observed recently is a few individuals attempting to govern the party without engaging in collective consultation or adhering to internal democratic processes.”

He expressed hope that the party would overcome its current difficulties, recalling that the PDP has weathered many challenges in the past and has always emerged stronger when it embraced fairness, dialogue, and inclusivity.

Chief Ortom congratulated the newly appointed Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Mohammed Abdulrahman, on his selection, viewing it as a new opportunity for the party to heal and rebuild internal trust.

He urged Abdulrahman and his team to promptly collaborate with the Board of Trustees and other party organs to initiate sincere reconciliation efforts that would provide every member with a sense of belonging and restore confidence in the party’s leadership.

Ortom further called on the new leadership to advocate for inclusiveness, dialogue, and respect for all stakeholders, reminding them that no individual can achieve success in isolation. He highlighted that the PDP’s strength lies in its diversity, collective wisdom, and democratic culture.

He also appealed to all party members to unite behind the new leadership and recommit themselves to the ideals and values of the PDP.

According to a statement from his Media Aide/Consultant, Terver Akase, Ortom reminded party members that, as Nigeria’s primary opposition party, the PDP has a responsibility to provide credible alternatives, hold the government accountable, and uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.