Ortom Gives PDP 48-Hour Ultimatum to Apologize Over Public Ridicule

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a 48-hour ultimatum to issue an apology for allegedly subjecting him to public ridicule. This follows a statement by the Tom Ikimi-led National Disciplinary Committee announcing an investigation into alleged petitions against him.

Ortom’s lawyer, C.T. Mue, argued that the public announcement violated Section 57 of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended) and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act (2015), as Ortom was not formally notified before the press release. The letter also claimed that the National Disciplinary Committee lacks the authority to take disciplinary action against Ortom, as only the National Executive Committee (NEC) has that power for members of his rank.

“We act as legal representative to His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom, on whose behalf we write this formal demand,” the statement read. The legal team demanded the withdrawal of the press release, a public apology within 48 hours, and a halt to any further public commentary until due process is followed. They warned that failure to comply would lead to legal action, including a defamation lawsuit and a petition under the Cybercrimes Act.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Chapter of the PDP has also challenged the validity of the petitions. State Chairman, Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, stated that the petitioners are not recognized as party members and did not provide proof of membership. He further pointed out that the allegations lacked specific details and supporting evidence, such as pictures or audio recordings.

Ortom’s issues with the PDP are linked to his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election, which some party members viewed as anti-party conduct.