Benue Governor Samuel Ortom appears to have joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his opposition to Iyorchia Ayu's continued tenure as Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman (PDP).
Ortom, a supporter of Governor Nyesom Wike, has stated that he wants Ayu to continue as party chairman.
Since the party's presidential primary in May, the governor has supported his Rivers counterpart, which has drawn criticism from some quarters.
The Jemgbagh Development Association in Abuja recently accused him of conspiring to bring down his fellow Benuean, Ayu.
In a statement by Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, Ortom stressed that he had confidence in Ayu’s ability to lead the PDP to victory in 2023.
Ikyru recalled that the former Senate President was elected “as the national chairman of our great party even against all odds”.
“The governor could not, therefore, turn around to work against him to be removed from office,” the statement reads.
“Governor Ortom vouched for the integrity and capacity of Dr Iyorchia Ayu to lead and rebuild the PDP to victory and rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the APC maladministration.
“That is why Ayu was returned unopposed by the northern caucus of the party and got elected as the national chairman of the PDP at the party’s convention.”
The CPS added that the association is masquerading as the voice of Jemgbagh to embark on campaign of calumny against Ortom, “who has worked selflessly for the people of Benue State.”