The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has launched a scathing response to former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba, apologising sarcastically for elevating him within the party and dismissing his claim that he was neglected during illness.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary of the party, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, the PDP described Uba’s comments at an event in Ute, Vandeikya Local Government Area, as false, ungrateful and deliberately misleading.
The party said it was “sorry for making” Titus Uba, insisting that he was promoted far beyond his “mental and appreciative capacity.”
Reacting to Uba’s allegation that no PDP member checked on him during his illness, the party said the claim was a fabrication, stressing that the PDP under former Governor Samuel Ortom stood solidly by him throughout his health challenges.
According to the statement, Uba fell ill in 2022 and was first stabilised in Abuja before being flown to Germany for specialist treatment at a cost of over N300 million, fully facilitated by the Ortom administration. The party recalled that a welcome reception was also organised for him on his return.
The PDP further noted that despite attempts by some party members to replace Uba as the governorship candidate due to his health condition, Ortom insisted he remained the flagbearer, standing by him “against all odds.”
The party also revealed that it supported Uba’s legal battle after losing the 2023 governorship election, pursuing his case up to the Supreme Court in January 2024.
However, the PDP accused the former Speaker of abandoning the party after the election, stating that he stopped attending meetings, ceased financial contributions and absented himself from ward and state congresses in 2024.
“It is shocking and disgusting that Uba now publicly praises Governor Hyacinth Alia for renting an apartment for him in Abuja, while ignoring years of sacrifices and support from Chief Ortom,” the statement said.
The party stressed that it is not a charity organisation and questioned how Uba, after eight years in the Assembly as Speaker with full emoluments, had no savings and depended on others for basic needs.
Declaring that Uba had effectively exited the PDP long ago, the party said it had moved on and described his departure as “good riddance.”
“The most difficult task for the PDP was marketing Titus Uba to Benue people,” the statement added, noting that he failed to convince even his kinsmen during a mock primary election where he reportedly finished fourth.
PDP offered what it called a sincere apology to Uba “for elevating him beyond his capacity,” saying it hoped he would find it in his heart to forgive the party.