Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed concerns over the recent developments in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which led to the suspension of National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and five National Working Committee members.

According to Ortom, the crisis stems from a lack of cohesion in the party’s internal affairs management by its leadership. He recalled previously meeting with party leaders and offering advice on resolving disagreements, but his counsel was ignored. Ortom believes the PDP leadership missed an opportunity to unite the party by prioritizing personal interests over collective goals.

Ortom emphasized that democracy relies on inclusion and consensus-building, rather than high-handedness or exclusion. He noted that the PDP has survived past challenges by embracing fairness, dialogue, and inclusiveness. The former governor congratulated newly appointed Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, seeing his emergence as a chance for the party to heal and rebuild internal trust.

Ortom urged Abdulrahman to work with the Board of Trustees and other party organs to initiate genuine reconciliation efforts, promoting inclusiveness, dialogue, and respect for all stakeholders. He reminded the new leadership that the PDP’s strength lies in its diversity, collective wisdom, and democratic culture. Ortom also called on party members to unite behind the new leadership and recommit to the party’s ideals and values.

As Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP has a duty to offer credible alternatives, hold the government accountable, and defend democratic principles and good governance. Ortom’s statement, released through his media aide Terver Akase, highlights the need for the party to come together and reaffirm its commitment to democracy and the values it represents. With the new leadership in place, the PDP faces an opportunity to rebuild and move forward, addressing the challenges that have arisen and working towards a more unified and effective opposition.