By: John Alechenu

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has demanded a written apology from the Tom Ikimi-led National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over what he described as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Ortom, through his lawyer C.T. Mue Esq., made this demand in a letter dated February 11, 2025, citing a press statement issued by the committee, which he claims subjected him to public ridicule without due process.

Ortom’s legal team outlined several violations of the PDP Constitution and the Cybercrimes Act in the handling of the allegations against him.

The PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), Section 57(4) mandates that any party member facing disciplinary action must receive written notification of allegations before a public announcement.

Ortom’s team argued that this requirement was ignored, making the disciplinary inquiry unconstitutional.

Lack of Jurisdiction:

Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution states that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) can discipline a former governor or high-ranking member.

Since Ortom falls under this category, his legal team insists that the National Disciplinary Committee lacks the authority to summon him.

Violation of Cybercrimes Act (2015):

The Cybercrimes Act, Section 24(1)(b) prohibits the intentional dissemination of false or misleading information that damages an individual’s reputation.

Ortom’s lawyers claim the public statement from the committee has subjected him to undue embarrassment and reputational harm.

Demands from the PDP Disciplinary Committee

Ortom’s legal team has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the PDP Disciplinary Committee, demanding:

A retraction of the February 5, 2025, press release.

A formal, written apology.

A halt to any further public commentary on the matter.

The letter warns that failure to comply would lead to legal action, including a defamation lawsuit and petitions to law enforcement agencies.

In a related development, the Benue State Chapter of the PDP has distanced itself from the petitioners behind the allegations against Ortom.

State PDP Chairman, Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, in a letter to the Disciplinary Committee, noted that:

The group “Benue PDP Youths Conscience” mentioned in the petition does not exist within the state chapter.

The petition fails to specify any clear evidence of alleged anti-party activities.

Adaji further suggested that the Disciplinary Committee should:

Reschedule the hearing and give ample notice for better coordination.

Require the petitioners to prove their PDP membership.

Provide concrete evidence (pictorial, voice, or video) to support their claims.

The Benue PDP Chairman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to working with the National Working Committee to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

With tensions rising within the PDP over internal disciplinary measures, the coming days will determine whether the party leadership will reconsider its stance or face a legal showdown with Ortom.