APC Summons Ortom, Akume To Abuja

The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has summoned Benue State governor Samuel Ortom and Senator George Akume, a party chieftain, to Abuja for an urgent meeting.

Both men are currently in a leadership tussle of the Benue chapter of the party.

A highly placed source in the party confirmed the development to our correpondent in the nation’s capital on Monday.

According to the source, the meeting follows the decision of the governor to pull out of the party.

Governor Ortom had on Monday said his membership of the APC is in doubt as he has “been given red card” by the ruling party.

Speaking during the investiture of Jerome Torshimbe as the Special Adviser to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Governor Ortom said he is currently a “free man” and awaits another party to woo him.

The governor stated that the strained relationship between him and the party, under which he contested the 2015 governorship election in 2015, had left him without a party.

He said, “As for party, I have been given red card and I’m outside the pitch. So, if I have been given red card and I’m standing outside, I’m a free man.

“So, I don’t know what will happen next; but I’m waiting. If ones approach me, then I will tell the Benue people that I’m joining another football club.”

However, National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, had on Monday in Abuja, denied pushing the governor out of the ruling party.