Strongly denouncing the unfounded and deceptive accusations made by the Benue State PDP Elders Committee, a group purporting to speak for party interests, is the Jemgbagh PDP Youth Forum. The forum dismissed charges of party misconduct that were allegedly intended to weaken the authority of Senator Napoleon Bali, the chairman of the Benue State Caretaker Committee, and Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum, the acting chairman of the National Working Committee.
The Elders Committee’s allegations of lawlessness within the party, according to Convener Jemgbagh PDP Youth Forum James Tersugh Ian, were baseless and intended to sow discord. They maintained that the recent ward and local government congresses were legitimate, pointing out that they adhered to party directives and were monitored by agencies including as the DSS and INEC.
The young forum accused the Elders Committee of being swayed by an opposition governor who was trying to undermine the PDP and denounced the organization for manipulating court orders for political advantage. Citing their inability to provide outcomes in the previous elections, they also cast doubt on the veracity of the so-called “distinguished stakeholders” making the accusations.
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The Jemgbagh PDP Youth Forum, which firmly supports Dr. Samuel Ortom as leader, urged party members to reject divisive strategies and back the official party structure. They reiterated their faith in the party’s leadership and their dedication to its principles, pleading with everyone to keep their attention on unity and advancement.
The discussion ended with a declaration that they would not be deterred by baseless accusations and would keep striving for a more promising future for the party and its members.
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Below is the statement
PRESS STATEMENT
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
We, the members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State under the umbrella of JEMGBAGH PDP YOUTH FORUM, take strong exception to the baseless, misleading, and malicious allegations made by the so-called political support group with the name Benue State PDP Elders Committee regarding the conduct of party affairs which is purportedly headed by a Jemgbagh son.
The committee’s press conference earlier today was a carefully orchestrated attempt to undermine the legitimate leadership of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum, Acting Chairman of the National Working Committee, and Senator Napoleon Bali, Chairman of the Benue State Caretaker Committee. Their claims of lawlessness and recklessness are unfounded, unsubstantiated, and designed to create confusion among party members.
Fact-Check
1. Ward Congresses: The committee alleged that ward congresses were marred by irregularities. However, there are evidence that the congresses were conducted in accordance with party guidelines, and winners emerged through democratic processes.
2. Local Government Congresses: The scheduling of local government congresses was done to fill vacancies and strengthen party structures, not to perpetuate irregularities. These congresses were observed and monitored by the relevant institutions like INEC, the Nigerian Police force and the Department of State Service (DSS) with their check lists duly filled and reports submitted.
3. Court Injunctions: The so called Elders committee’s exploitation of court injunctions for political gain is unfortunate. We urge the party faithful to disregard these tactics.
It is now evident that this recently created support group’s actions are orchestrated by an opposition governor seeking to hijack the PDP through confusion and division. We will not allow external forces to destabilize our party.
The individuals behind these allegations who referred to themselves as “distinguished stakeholders” are people who failed to deliver as little as their polling units in the last elections. Their credibility is questionable, and their motives are suspect.
READ: Jemgbagh PDP Youth Backs Ortom, Dismisse Allegations by Elders Committee
We stand firmly behind Dr. Samuel Ortom’s leadership and the legitimate party structure. We will not be swayed by baseless allegations and divisive tactics.
We urge party faithful to;
1. Disregard misleading information and propaganda.
2. Support the party’s legitimate leadership.
3. Focus on unity and progress.
Conclusion
We will not be intimidated or distracted by these baseless allegations. We as a party are known for respect for constituted authority and as such have total confidence in the leadership of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum and Sen. Napoleon Bali. The PDP remains strong and united in Benue State under His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom, we are committed to the party’s ideals and principles. We will continue to work towards a brighter future for our party and our people.
