The political landscape in Benue State is witnessing a significant interplay of ambitions and realities as former governor Samuel Ortom voices optimism about the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reclaiming power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by 2027. Ortom’s confidence stems from a desire for the PDP to overcome the internal challenges that contributed to its defeat in the recent elections. He addressed the G14 group, composed of influential PDP elders from Tiv land, and urged them to unite and work diligently towards revitalizing the party’s fortunes in the state. Ortom’s call to action emphasizes the importance of loyalty and overcoming past grievances, while expressing a collective commitment to bring back disenchanted members and initiate a new journey for the party.
Conversely, the current governor, Hyacinth Alia, dismissed Ortom’s aspirations as unrealistic, describing them as a “laughable ambition.” Alia’s administration boasts a record of achievements that he believes will significantly delay the PDP’s chances of regaining political relevance in the state. His spokesperson, Solomon Iorpev, affirmed that given the current state of governance under Alia, it would take the PDP an estimated three to four decades to become a serious contender again. Iorpev’s remarks not only challenge Ortom’s optimism but illustrate a broader confidence in the APC’s governance, asserting that the party has made significant strides across various sectors.
Amidst this political rivalry, there are underlying tensions within the PDP that complicate its path to resurgence. The G14 group, originally founded to foster unity among PDP elders, has recently been marred by internal disputes, notably sparked by former governor Gabriel Suswam’s announcement of the group’s disbandment. Suswam’s decision reflects concerns over a perceived alignment between him and Ortom, which consequently raises questions about unity within the opposition. However, Laha Dzever, the group’s chairman, countered Suswam’s assertion, maintaining that the group remains intact and calling for any dissenting members to resign rather than disrupt its activities. This friction serves as a reminder of the challenges that the PDP must navigate if it hopes to position itself favorably for future elections.
During his meeting with the G14 group, Ortom reinforced his role as the party leader and co-chairman of the group, underscoring the vital need for solidarity and commitment among party members. He emphasized moving forward constructively rather than dwelling on past conflicts. His remarks reflect a strategic approach aimed at reigniting enthusiasm within the party’s ranks while calling for efforts to welcome back former members who may have left or aligned with other political factions, such as the Labour Party. By advocating for a collective effort and divine guidance, Ortom projects hope for the PDP’s revival and emphasizes the urgency of revitalizing the party infrastructure at the grassroots level.
In stark contrast, the APC’s narrative positions Ortom’s aspirations as unrealistic given the apparent disarray within the PDP. Iorpev’s remarks emphasize a trend of defection from the PDP to the APC, suggesting that the opposition is losing ground in local governments, which poses a significant threat to any efforts aimed at regaining power. The claims highlight an internal crisis that has plagued the PDP, characterized by significant leadership disputes and a lack of cohesive strategy that could unify its ranks in the pursuit of political resurgence. These challenges underline the complexity of the current political dynamics in Benue State, where the strength of the ruling party appears to be bolstered by the opposition’s vulnerabilities.
As both parties navigate the road ahead, the dichotomy between Ortom’s hopeful outlook and Alia’s dismissive response encapsulates the broader struggles facing the PDP in its bid to reclaim political ground. The competitive discourse is amplified by the historical context of political rivalries in the state, making the next few years critical for both parties. Ortom’s insistence on unity, loyalty, and collective action resonates with a sense of urgency that underscores the need for the PDP to address its internal fractures and ground its ambitions in tangible strategies if it hopes to challenge the APC effectively. The political terrain is undoubtedly dynamic, and whether Ortom’s vision can galvanize the PDP or if Alia’s assertions will hold true remains to be seen as the countdown to the next elections begins to tick away.
