On Friday, the newly elected members of the Benue State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced an unexpected obstacle as they arrived at their party secretariat along Otukpo Road, only to find the premises locked. This incident followed a period of uncertainty regarding the party’s leadership after the caretaker committee members claimed they had been ousted from the secretariat. Notably, three weeks prior, former governor Samuel Ortom, through his media aide Terver Akase, announced that he had provided a building in the High-Level area of Makurdi for the party’s use, highlighting the ongoing turmoil within the party structures.
The history behind the secretariat’s ownership revealed a more complex set of circumstances. The original building had been donated to the PDP by former governor Gabriel Suswam, who quickly dismissed the caretaker committee’s claims of eviction, stating there was no evidence supporting their assertions. This confusion culminated in the new party leadership’s attempt to take possession of the official secretariat, which they found shuttered upon their arrival. The newly elected chairman, Ezekiel Adaji, reached out to the caretaker committee secretary in hopes of understanding the mysterious lockout but was informed that they too were unaware of the situation. This lack of communication only added to the uncertainty facing the party during a critical transition period.
During this tense backdrop, the PDP held its state congress on the same day, during which Ezekiel Adaji was elected to the position of chairman. A former member of the House of Representatives for the Otukpo/Ohimini federal constituency, Adaji secured his leadership role by garnering 2,482 out of the 2,900 accredited votes from the total 2,910 delegates. This congress not only introduced new leadership but also marked the dawn of a fresh chapter for the PDP in Benue State, as Adaji now headed a 27-member State Executive Committee tasked with steering the party’s future guidance.
Alongside Adaji, other officials were also elected, including State Secretary Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, State Public Secretary Hon Tim Nyor, Youth Leader Ibya Terkimbi, and Women Leader Mrs. Alice Albert. Their swift inauguration by the Caretaker Committee’s legal officer, Barr Friday Ejembi, symbolized a formal transition of power, despite the earlier confusion surrounding the party’s premises. The election and in-person swearing-in served as an essential step for the PDP in solidifying its leadership and providing a clear direction amidst the turmoil.
Adaji’s acceptance speech encapsulated his gratitude towards party members for their support while underscoring his commitment to the PDP’s objectives. He reiterated the state’s critical need for effective leadership and pledged that his executive team would strive to regain the party’s former glory. One of his immediate priorities was to reconcile aggrieved members within the party, which he intended to facilitate by establishing a reconciliation committee promptly. This approach signified not only a desire for unity following the internal disputes but also a proactive effort to involve all stakeholders in the rebuilding process of the party.
In conclusion, the events unfolding in the Benue State PDP highlight the complexities of political transitions and the challenges faced by newly elected officials in establishing their authority. The locked secretariat served as a physical manifestation of the deeper uncertainties within the party, yet the successful organization of the state congress and the election of a new chairman signaled potential for recovery and revitalization. As Adaji and the newly formed State Executive Committee embark on their journey, their immediate task will be to address existing divisions and foster a unified front, ultimately aspiring to restore the party’s prominence in the state’s political landscape.
