Benue PDP Crisis: ‘Nobody Has the Right to Disband G14,’ Says Ortom

Former Governor Samuel Ortom addresses the ongoing PDP crisis in Benue, asserting that no one has the authority to disband the influential G14 group. Learn more about his stance and the political fallout.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that no one possesses the authority to disband the G-14, a pressure group within the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He mentioned this on Tuesday during the G14’s courtesy visit to his residence in Makurdi.

Ortom urged the G-14 to remain the party’s moral compass and persist in encouraging and supporting its leadership across all levels, from national down to local wards.

He expressed his gratitude to the G-14 for their visit and their selfless dedication to the party.

Chief Ortom took the opportunity to invite party members to attend the state congress on Thursday.

Dr. Laha Dzever, the leader of the group, praised Chief Ortom for overseeing the smooth execution of ward and local government congresses in the state.

He voiced confidence in Chief Ortom’s leadership to settle any disputes within the party.

Dzever refuted the claim that G-14 was established by a single individual.

He revealed that the G-14 was established after Ortom assumed office as governor of Benue State in 2015, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group’s formation aimed to rescue and support the party by drawing members from elders across the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas.

Dzever assured Chief Ortom that, as the leader of the party in the state, he has the unwavering support of G-14.

He reiterated the longstanding tradition of the party, which designates a governor as the leader of the party within their state. If the current governor is not a member of that party, then this leadership role falls to the immediate past governor.

David Amo, representing the Benue North East Senatorial District, stated that the PDP is united and Chief Ortom remains its leader.

Samuel Utov questioned why someone would assert that they had disbanded G-14 when the group was not originally established by the person making this claim.

He emphasized that not even Chief Ortom, the party leader in the state due to his status as former governor, has the authority to disband G-14. He added that only God can dissolve G-14.

Representing the women’s interests, Veronica Gajir, the former chairman of Ushongo Local Government, urged Chief Ortom to energize and lead the party back to power in 2027.

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Speaking on behalf of the youths, Samuel Akough praised Ortom for his leadership of the party and assured him that he has their support.

Representing Sankera, Joseph Nengean, the inaugural State Youth Leader of the PDP in Benue State, expressed gratitude to Ortom for maintaining security in the area during his tenure as governor. He noted that since then, the security situation has worsened and prayed for Ortom’s protection against any harm aimed at him.

Chief Atsaga Anemba, speaking on behalf of Jechira, reaffirmed Ortom’s leadership within the party. He emphasized that this aligns with the party’s tradition and is why elders from across Tiv land support the former governor.

Elder Shimawa Adzaigba, representing the Jechira intermediate area, urged the G-14 to address and resolve the party’s crisis.

Ortese Gbegi, the National Ex-officio representing Benue State, praised Ortom for his effective party leadership and the seamless execution of ward and local government congresses in Jemgbagh.

Speaking on behalf of the 14 elected local government chairmen, Terseer Adigoh, PDP Chairman of Katsina-ala Local Government, and Paul Tion, PDP Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, both pledged their unwavering loyalty to Ortom and assured him of their steadfast support as he leads the party’s efforts in the state.