JUST IN: I am Not Dumping APC for Another Party - Gov Ortom | CNR

Contrary to speculations that Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom may soon dump the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the aftermath of repeated killing of citizens of the state by marauding Fulani herdsmen, Mr. Ortom has said he is not leaving the party.

The Governor made the clarification while addressing a meeting of "expanded" APC caucus on Monday at the Peoples House in Makurdi, the state capital.

Governor Ortom's open confrontations with the presidency and federal authorities following the killing of over 100 people of the state by Fulani herdsmen within the last three months has made speculators to predict possible shifting of ground by the Governor.

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The feeling was strengthened when top Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leaders and governors stated visiting the Governor for condolences while APC governors and leaders looked the other way.

But Mr. Ortom has cleared the air of uncertainty by declaring that he remained a member of the ruling party, in whose platform he was elected in 2015.

"I remain a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC. I have no intention of joining another political party", Ortom who have been battling Fulani herdsmen/farmers crisis in the North Central Benue state told party leaders.

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"The rumour that I plan to dump APC is the handiwork of my detractors who want me to leave the party so they can come in", Governor Ortom said.

This declaration was coming just a day after President Mohammadu Buhari announced his intention to seek re-election for second term of office in 2019.