Former Benue Council Chairmen Decry Collapse of Political Identity, Discipline

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue Association of Former Elected Local Government Council have decried what it termed the shaneful collapse of political identity and discipline in the state.

The association said this in view of the recent outing of some All Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirants who attended the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP expanded Caucus held at the residence of immediate past of the state Chief Samuel Ortom on Sunday.

Briefing the media on Wednesday at the NUJ House, Makurdi, the association led by Stephen Manta erstwhile Vandeikya LGA chairman, said their conduct is disturbing and shameful.

They opined that the development is not just strange; but also, politically scandalous, noting that the implications of such act is betrayal of party identity

“Political parties are not social clubs. They are institutions built on ideology, loyalty, and collective purpose. For individuals who claim to be seeking the mandate of the APC to openly fraternize at the so-called strategic caucus meeting of the PDP, the very opposition they claim to challenge, is a blatant act of political duplicity.

“It raises a fundamental question: Where do these individuals truly belong? Or has the PDP sold and they have bought the dual-party membership system being practiced in the party or they are simply just confused.

“It also demonstrates evidence of opportunistic politics. This action exposes a dangerous trend, politicians without conviction claiming membership of the APC but moving from one camp to another in search of personal advantage. Such individuals do not stand for principles. They stand only for ambition.

“Today they sit in PDP caucuses; tomorrow they will claim APC tickets; the next day they will preach loyalty. This is the height of ideological bankruptcy.

“It is a signal of backroom deals and poltical trading

Attendance at such a high-level PDP caucus is not accidental. It suggests: possible backdoor negotiations, political horse-trading, hidden alliances designed to manipulate the electoral process This is not democracy. This is political opportunism of the worst kind.

“It is an insult to party faithful. Thousands of loyal APC members across Benue State worked tirelessly to build and sustain the party. For aspirants to casually undermine that structure by aligning with opposition forces is a direct insult to those who believe in party discipline and integrity.

“Let it be said without hesitation that any individual who cannot demonstrate loyalty to their party has no moral standing to seek leadership under that party. Leadership demands clarity, conviction, consistency, not confusion.

“Benue State is at a critical political moment, lt cannot afford desperate politicians hiding behind religion opportunists without ideological direction, actors willing to destabilize institutions for personal gain

“We call on the public to reject this politically motivated petition in its entirety. Political parties should enforce discipline and accountability, aspirants should conduct themselves with honour and clarity.

“The Benue Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen will continue to stand for truth, stability, and responsible political engagement.

“As leaders at the local level frequently in touch with and feeling the pulse of our people, we have resolved and are making it categorically clear that we will stand against any distraction to the state Government.

“We will galvanize grassroot support for Governor Hyacinth lormem Alia to carry on with the people oriented developmental projects and progammes he is executing. Benue deserves better than propaganda, and far better than political duplicity” the association stated.