Ortom Urges PDP to Expel Members Backing ADC Coalition

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to expel members who are simultaneously aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning against dual political loyalties.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Ortom charged the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate disciplinary action against such individuals, emphasizing that allegiance to two political parties is unacceptable.

“You cannot be in the PDP and another party,” Ortom stated firmly. “We have instructed for their expulsion. It is not feasible to maintain dual party memberships. One must decide whether to remain in the PDP or leave.”

Though he stopped short of naming names, Ortom’s comments come amid growing tensions within the opposition, following the recent formation of an opposition coalition spearheaded by the ADC.

Several high-profile politicians—including members of the PDP—have openly supported the new coalition, while continuing to retain their PDP membership, sparking controversy within the party ranks.

Ortom’s remarks also appear to indirectly reference his political ally, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has faced criticism for backing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while remaining in the PDP. Wike notably endorsed President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election and has since hinted at supporting Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid.

“The party can no longer overlook these contradictions,” Ortom said. “Just today, I met someone advocating for a coalition, and I reminded him of his claimed return to the PDP.”

Ortom’s stance signals a hardening of internal party lines as the PDP navigates an increasingly fragmented opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.