No crisis in Benue PDP over consensus candidate

By Aboje Anefu, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has described an online publication which alleged that there is a split in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP family in the state over consensus candidates towards the forthcoming elections as false.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Nathaniel Ikyur and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, said in all the meetings so far, there hasn’t been any disagreement or altercation of any kind, stressing , “it has been more like a family affair under a convivial atmosphere.”

He, therefore, said he is surprised to read the media report alleging a split in the ranks of the political leaders of the party in the state.

“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.

“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 informations.

“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.

The governor, therefore, urged all PDP members to disregard any insinuation to that effect, saying he would provide the right leadership in consultation with the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, Senator Gabriel Suswam and many others, for the party to sail to promise land undistracted