Ortom dismisses APC defection claims, describes report as fake, misleading

2026-02-09 - 15:29

By Peter Duru, Makurdi The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued on his behalf, by his Media Adviser/Consultant, Dr. Terver Akase, the former Governor described the report as a “deliberate fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and creating confusion about his political affiliation. According to the statement, Ortom said the claim was “baseless and mischievous,” alleging that it was the handiwork of individuals sponsored by political opponents unsettled by his continued relevance in Benue State politics. The statement further accused the authors of the report of going as far as producing a fake APC membership card, which they falsely attributed to Ortom and circulated online to give credibility to their claims. “This act is not only irresponsible but also exposes the depth of desperation among those behind it,” the statement said, noting that the alleged defection exists only in the imagination of its promoters. Ortom reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that he remains “a proud, committed, and influential member” of the party. He also restated his position within the party, noting that he remains the leader of the PDP in Benue State and a respected member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT). The former governor maintained that those spreading the rumours wete driven by wishful thinking, adding that their actions reflected political anxiety rather than reality. Members of the public were urged to ignore and completely disregard the report, which Ortom described as fake news designed to mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.