The immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom has reiterated his commitment to strengthening the party to reclaim power in the state, come 2027.

He stated this on Friday at his Judges Quarters residence in Makurdi while hosting members of the PDP G-14 and other critical stakeholders of the party from the 14 local government areas in Zones A and B parts of the state.

Chief Ortom reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dispelling speculations by what he described as “mischief makers” about his alleged plan to defect, stressing that the party would emerge stronger and united, ahead of the 2027 polls.

The former governor called on stakeholders to remain resolute and committed to rebuilding the PDP, stating that though he wouldn’t be contesting personally, he would stand solidly behind the party’s candidates to record victories, advising PDP aspirants to consult widely and not be discouraged by the wave of defections to the ruling party.

In his remarks, the leader of the PDP G-14, Dr. Laha Dzever, who spoke on behalf of the forum, pledged continued support and loyalty to Chief Ortom, appreciating what he described as his purposeful leadership.

Also speaking, the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Azua Ashongo, advised stakeholders in the various local government areas to present only credible candidates for the next elections. He noted that this was necessary to ensure the party’s victory and to sustain Chief Ortom’s efforts to strengthen the PDP. Ashongo also commended Ortom for his sacrifices for the party and urged others to emulate his example.

Similarly, Ambassador Chive Kaave assured Chief Ortom of the commitment of Zone A members of the party to align with his plans to return the party to power and promote development. Senator Fred Orti gave similar assurances on behalf of Zone B.

Others who spoke included Rt. Hon. William Ortyom, representing PDP members in the Benue State House of Assembly; Hon. Simon Anyamkande, for PDP chairmen in the 14 Tiv-speaking local governments; Mrs. Veronica Gajir, for women; and Joel Iyua Kôrinjô, for the youths.

The meeting was attended by serving and former members of the PDP National Executive Committee, former members of the Board of Trustees, local government party chairmen, national delegates, former aspirants, former government appointees, former council chairmen, National Assembly aspirants, members of the State Working Committee, and other party officials and stakeholders.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Secretariat in Ekiti State has been set on fire by suspected political thugs believed to be affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The attack, which occurred late Monday night, left the entire building in ruins — destroying furniture, campaign materials, and important party documents.

A video posted on the ADC’s official Facebook page shows the Secretariat engulfed in flames, with shattered windows, burnt signboards, and debris scattered across the premises.

Reacting to the incident, the ADC accused its political opponents of masterminding the attack in an attempt to intimidate its members and halt the party’s growing popularity in the state.

“Our Party Secretariat was set ablaze by those threatened by the rising momentum and strong organisational structure the Ekiti ADC is building. This cowardly act is regrettable, but it will only strengthen our resolve and unity. The formidable Ekiti ADC has come to stay,”
the party said in a statement.

The incident reportedly occurred just hours before the party’s Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony for its ward, local government, senatorial, and state executives.

Despite the destruction, ADC leaders vowed to remain undeterred:

“Our spirit remains unbroken; our vision, unstoppable,” the statement added.

As of the time of this report, the Ekiti State Police Command has yet to release an official statement or confirm any arrests related to the attack.

• As Aregbesola assures of party victory in 2027

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed to deliver on its promises to Nigerians, stating that the ADC has emerged as the credible alternative to rescue the country in 2027.

Aregbesola made the declaration on Saturday at the official commissioning of the party’s new Secretariat in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where he said the nation was suffering the consequences of leadership failure and policy inconsistency under the current administration.

He said: “Under the APC, governance has lost its essence and purpose. Hunger, insecurity, and infrastructural decay have become the order of the day. Nigerians deserve better, and that is what the ADC stands to offer.”

He accused the ruling party of promoting political intolerance and undermining democratic space by harassing opposition members. “If the APC were confident in its popularity, it wouldn’t resort to intimidation and fear,” he said.

Aregbesola added that the ADC was preparing strategically for the 2027 general elections to ensure that “the will of the people prevails.

Also speaking at the ceremony, former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the unveiling as the beginning of a new political movement in the State, adding that: “The ADC represents a new direction in our political trajectory. We are building a people-driven platform that will reflect the collective aspirations of Kwarans.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had become politically irrelevant.

“The PDP is a dead party waiting for its formal obituary. The ADC is now the only real opposition in Nigeria,” Abdullahi said, adding that the party’s rising profile in Kwara within three months showed strong grassroots’ acceptance.

On insecurity, Abdullahi lamented that incessant attacks across rural areas had crippled agricultural productivity. “Government must act decisively to protect farmers and rural dwellers, whose livelihoods are under threat,” he said.

Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and immediate past Chairman of the State PDP, Rt. Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, who was seen at the ADC gathering, announced his defection from the PDP to the ADC with thousands of his supporters.

The event attracted political stakeholders, youth groups, and party supporters who described the ADC as a movement capable of redefining governance in Kwara and beyond.

End