The opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State is embroiled in a deepening crisis.
A faction loyal to former Governor Samuel Ortom has passed a vote of no confidence against the state chairman, John Ngbede, the secretary, Joseph Nyam, and the organizing secretary, Moses Audu.
The trio has been suspended for one month due to accusations of imposing personal interests during the July 27 ward congresses.
In a letter dated August 5, addressed to the acting PDP national chairman, the Ortom faction, led by state publicity secretary Bemgba Iortyom, accused the suspended officials of mismanaging the congresses by ignoring guidelines and prioritizing their own preferences.
This faction believes the suspended officials are also aligned with former governor Gabriel Suswam.
In response, the Suswam faction, through a letter signed by the suspended state secretary Joseph Nyam, has accused Ortom, Iortyom, deputy chairman Isaac Mffo, and Zone A Vice Chairman Azua Ashongo of ballot material tampering during the ward congresses.
Consequently, this faction has suspended the aforementioned individuals.
The rift within the party dates back to Ortom’s tenure as governor, which intensified following his conflict with 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his alliance with former Rivers State governor and now FCT minister Nyesom Wike.
This discord led to efforts to remove then-national chairman Iyorcha Ayu, which succeeded shortly after the general elections.
The internal struggle has continued to affect key party figures and factions.
