APC Describes Gov. Ortom’s Defection To PDP As Unexpected

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as “somewhat surprising” the defection of Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom From the APC to the People democratic Party on Wednesday in Makurdi.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abudullahi, made this revelation known on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the development.

The party recalled efforts made by its National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole to address some of the grievances raised by the Governor pertaining to the local politics in his state.

“The Governor had left the meeting saying he was satisfied with the assurances given by party leaders,we are still working on giving effect to the resolutions from the meeting.

“Therefore, we are somewhat surprised by Gov Ortom’s decision,” the statement said.

While expressing hope that those who left the party would rethink their decision and come back into the party. the spokesperson, established the fact that every person in a democracy has a choice of political affiliation.

While stressing that the APC would continue to reach out to aggrieved members, he add that reconciliation was still possible.
This, the statement added would be the situation as long as such members kept their minds open and had the courage to put the real issues on the table.

“We once again call on members across the country to remain calm as the party leadership continues to work hard to position the party strongly for the next general elections,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Ortom had on July 19, assured the APC national chairman that he would remain in the party after alleging that the party’s Benue chapter gave him a “red card”.

Naija News understands that The governor and Sen. George Akume, a former governor of the state and a serving Senator, had been having a running battle over who controlled the party in the state.

“It was the Benue APC that gave me a red card, not the national APC and that was enough to make myself available out of the pitch.

“But, the leadership of the party told me that its decision is superior to that of any individual or group of people and I think that is good enough.

“They have spoken to him (Akume) and have spoken to me, and the state’s stakeholders are going to be spoken to. That’s where I belong.

“We have not concluded the matter. It’s an ongoing process. I always stand for peace.I always want peace to prevail, and that’s what I call for.

“I am here in APC; I am a member of the party, I am still flying the flag of APC.I only said I was given red card, but I have been corrected by the national secretariat,” he had said.