Ortom Urges PDP to Expel Members Backing ADC, Condemns Dual Party Loyalty

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to expel members who are aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that the party must take a decisive stand against dual affiliations.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Ortom urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to act swiftly against individuals holding ties with both parties, declaring that it is unacceptable to serve two political masters.

“You cannot be in PDP and another party,” Ortom stated. “We have instructed for their expulsion. It’s not feasible to maintain dual party memberships. One must choose to remain in PDP if that is their preference.”

Though Ortom did not name any individuals, his comments come amid growing tensions within the PDP following the emergence of an opposition coalition spearheaded by the ADC. Several notable figures — some still officially in the PDP — have thrown their support behind the coalition.

Notably, Ortom’s political ally and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been under scrutiny for backing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while still holding membership in the PDP. Wike openly supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections and has since hinted at backing his re-election in 2027.

Referencing such developments, Ortom said the PDP can no longer remain silent in the face of internal contradictions.

“Just today, I met someone advocating for a coalition,” he revealed, while reaffirming his own return and commitment to the PDP.