THE All Progressive Congress (APC) has described the exit of Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, as a rumour.

Mr Ortom on Monday announced his exit from the APC. The governor said he was chased out hence his decision to leave.

He also hinted of decamping to any party that woos him.

Reacting, the APC who did not believe reports of the governor’s action said Ortom, known for his integrity, could not have dumped the party without first notifying it.

The National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC),

“The party will not comment on the basis of rumour,” Oshiomhole said.

“I am sure that eventually we will find out the facts of the matter and we will now act.

“Governor Ortom is a respected, prominent member of the APC and he has said repeatedly to me that he will not leave the APC unless he was pushed out,” he added.

Governor Ortom, on Monday, while swearing in a newly appointed Special Adviser on Local Government and Cheftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe, at the banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, noted that the APC gave him a red card.

“As for party, I’ve been given the red card and I’m now outside the pitch. So, if I have been given the red card and I’m standing outside, that means I’m a free man,” said Ortom.

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