Benue PDP crisis: Drama as Ezekiel Adaji, Mad Lion emerge parallel chairmen from separate conventions

The ongoing crisis within the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as two rival factions convened separate conventions, each electing their own chairmen.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that in a convention held in Makurdi, Chief Ezekiel Adaji, a former member of the House of Representatives, was elected chairman by the faction loyal to Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro. Adaji now leads a newly formed 27-member State Executive Committee, with key positions filled by officials including Dan Nyikwagh as State Secretary and Tim Nyor as State Publicity Secretary.

The results were announced by Alhaji Ibrahim Shaba, head of the Benue State PDP Congress Electoral Committee, and the newly elected officials were sworn in by Caretaker Committee Legal Officer Friday Ejembi.

In his acceptance speech, Adaji expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received and committed to unifying the party, stating, “Our state is in need of leadership… We shall reconcile all aggrieved members and set up a reconciliation committee immediately.”

Meanwhile, the rival faction, aligned with former Governor Gabriel Suswam, has also declared Chris Adaba Abah, known as “Mad Lion,” as its chairman, alongside Clement Azuanongo as Deputy Chairman.

This division further complicates the already fractured state of the party, with the potential to hinder its political aspirations in the region.

The recent congress saw a total of 2,910 delegates listed, with 2,900 accredited to participate in the elections, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control within the party.

As both factions prepare for the challenges ahead, the future of the PDP in Benue State remains uncertain.