The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Samuel Ortom, a former governor of the state, over alleged anti-party activities.
News About Nigeria reports that this is contained in a statement issued by Joseph Nyam, the secretary of the party in Benue State.
Ortom was allegedly involved in disrupting a ward congress by facilitating the theft of voting materials.
“During the Ward Congresses held on the 27th July, 2024 at the 276 Ward headquarters, you led and abated the snatching of election materials at your various local governments, resulting in the non-conduct of the congresses at Buruku, Gboko, Ushongo, Guma, Tarka, Rwande, and Ohimini local government area,” the statement reads.
“These acts constitute anti-party activities. Consequent upon the above, you are suspended for one month in the first instance and recommended to the State Disciplinary Committee for further adjudication.”
The former Benue governor was suspended alongside three others: Isaacs Mffo, Azua Ashongo, and Bemgba Iortyom.
Recall that Ortom said five aggrieved governors better addressed as the G5 will support President Bola Tinubu if he seeks re-election in 2027.
The G5 members are Nyesom Wike, Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor of Enugu; Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, and Okezie Ikpeazu, a former governor of Abia.
They are all chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who supported Wike and refused to back the presidential bid of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 election.
The former Benue governor said Tinubu is a seasoned administrator and should be allowed to fix the country.
“If we work to ensure Bola Ahmed succeeds, there will be tomorrow for anybody to even contest the election at all,” Ortom said.
“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, has already made a declaration that in 2027, we are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”