Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has threatened to take legal action against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disciplinary committee, chaired by High Chief Tom Ikimi. Ortom’s lawyer, Mr. C.T. Mue, alleges that the committee has violated the party’s constitution and the cybercrime act.
In a letter dated February 11, 2025, Mue demanded a written apology and withdrawal of statements made against Ortom within 48 hours. The lawyer argued that the committee’s public notice announcing an inquiry into alleged petitions against Ortom caused reputational harm and violated Section 57 of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
Specifically, Mue claimed that the committee failed to formally notify Ortom of the allegations in writing before issuing the press release, contrary to Section 57(4) of the PDP Constitution. Additionally, Mue argued that the National Disciplinary Committee lacks jurisdiction to entertain disciplinary action against Ortom, as he falls under the categories of members exempt from disciplinary action by executive committees, as stated in Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution.
Ortom’s threat to sue the disciplinary committee is the latest development in the ongoing crisis within the PDP. The party has been grappling with internal conflicts, with several members facing disciplinary action.
