The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as harassment, victimisation and political pressure against the then Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
The Forum of PDP Chairmen in the South-West made its position known in a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Clement Olasoji Adagunodo of Osun State, amid growing political tension in Benue State.
The forum expressed concern over developments surrounding the state government and alleged attempts to undermine the constitutional processes of governance.
According to Adagunodo, the situation raised questions about respect for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the principles of democratic governance.
He urged the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respect constitutional procedures and avoid actions that could further deepen political tensions in the country.
“The forum of PDP chairmen in the South-West condemns the alleged illegality being perpetrated where only eight out of 30 members of the Benue State House of Assembly have allowed themselves to be used against the democratic tenets which they all swore to protect,” Adagunodo said.
The PDP leaders also questioned the timing of corruption allegations involving Governor Ortom, particularly against the backdrop of his political disagreement with the ruling party at the time.
They alleged that the actions of some federal agencies had taken on a political dimension, an accusation that was disputed by those on the other side of the political divide.
The forum’s position came amid heightened political tensions in Benue State, where security concerns and allegations of attacks on communities had become major issues in public discourse.
Political developments in the state had also intensified following growing disagreements between Governor Ortom and the APC-led Federal Government over security and other matters.
The PDP chairmen maintained that the people of Benue State had legitimate concerns about the security situation and called for greater attention to the protection of lives and property.
Adagunodo further said the PDP had previously warned Nigerians about what the party described as the anti-democratic tendencies of the Buhari administration before the 2015 general elections.
He therefore urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values and use their votes to express their views during elections.
The forum specifically referenced the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, urging voters to make their decisions based on their assessment of the candidates and the records of the political parties.
The statement added another dimension to the growing political contest ahead of the 2018 Osun governorship election, as parties and their supporters intensified their campaigns and sought to influence voters across the state.
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