By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State on Sunday said it’s undergoing “cleansing process” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leader of PDP in Benue, former Governor Samuel Ortom said the party is better off without those he branded “termites, bedbugs, and mosquitoes.”
Ortom while speaking at a strategic meeting of PDP stakeholders in Makurdi, took a jab at some internal party members who allegedly sabotaged PDP’s chances in the 2023 elections.
He claimed those elements have now been flushed out, leaving a stronger, more focused political structure.
“We were rigged out in 2023, no doubt. But I stand here to affirm that PDP is very strong. Back then, moths and termites were destroying our destiny. Today, by God’s grace, they are no longer with us. With Senator Abba Moro on board, we now have a solid team,” he said.
The former governor further declared that the party is determined to reclaim power and restore the Anti-Open Grazing Law, which he said remains key to ending killings and ensuring displaced persons return to their ancestral lands.
“We’ll stop the killers. In 2027, Benue will have a governor that protects its people,” he said, urging supporters to “go back to your communities and make sure the mistake of 2023 is not repeated.”
Ortom also issued a strong warning to party members flirting with rival political alliances: “Anyone in PDP who engages in coalition politics will be expelled. We’ve agreed on this at all levels.”
Backing Ortom’s position, Senator Abba Moro of Benue South senatorial district, said the party remains intact and undeterred by recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Those who left PDP moved from certainty to uncertainty. They claim there’s crisis, but their future is now unpredictable. I have no reason to leave PDP – not now, not tomorrow,” he said.
Moro added that the meeting was part of the PDP’s strategic review as it prepares to become “battle ready” for 2027.
“We’ve done it before. We’ll do it again,” Moro concluded.
Earlier, State Chairman of PDP, Ezekiel Adaji, maintained that the leaders of the party at state and national level would ensure to keep it afloat in order to wrestle power from the incumbent in 2027.
Adaji took a swipe on the ADC as he likened the party to a wind that would soon fade away while the PDP will gathered every necessary resource to reclaim power.
