Ortom Reaffirms PDP Membership, Denies Defection to APC

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such claims as false and deliberately misleading. In a public statement released through his media adviser, Mr Terver Akase, Ortom reiterated his continued loyalty to the PDP and urged Nigerians to disregard what he termed fabricated social media reports.

Firm Denial of Defection Claims

Chief Ortom stated that his attention had been drawn to a viral report circulating on social media platforms alleging that he had switched political allegiance to the APC. He categorically denied the claim, stressing that there was no truth whatsoever in the report. According to him, the story was a “mischievous fabrication” designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political confusion.

The former governor maintained that those behind the reports were acting out of desperation, noting that the false narrative could only exist in the imagination of its promoters. He emphasised that no official or informal move had been made by him to leave the PDP, adding that the rumours were baseless and irresponsible.

PDP Leadership and Continued Influence

In the statement issued by Mr Akase, Ortom reaffirmed that he remains a key and influential member of the PDP. He described himself as the leader of the party in Benue State and a respected member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), positions that, according to him, underscore his commitment to the party.

The statement further noted that Chief Ortom’s continued relevance within the PDP may have unsettled some political opponents, prompting the spread of false information. It added that the circulation of such reports was a failed attempt to deceive the public and undermine his political standing.

Ortom Call for Public Caution

Chief Ortom urged members of the public, party supporters, and stakeholders to ignore the reports in their entirety. He advised Nigerians to rely on credible and verified sources of information, particularly on politically sensitive matters, to avoid being misled by unverified social media content.

He concluded by restating his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, assuring party members and supporters that he remains fully committed to the party’s ideals and activities in Benue State and at the national level.