Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that no one has the authority to dissolve the G-14, a pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
He made this statement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the G-14 to his residence in Makurdi.
Ortom urged the group to remain the party’s moral compass and to keep supporting its leadership at all levels, from the national to the ward level.
He expressed gratitude to the G-14 for their visit and their dedicated service to the party. Chief Ortom also took the opportunity to invite party members to the state congress scheduled for Thursday.
The group’s leader, Dr. Laha Dzever, praised Chief Ortom for the orderly conduct of the ward and local government congresses in the state.
Dzver expressed confidence in Chief Ortom’s ability to resolve any internal disputes within the party.
He dismissed claims that the G-14 was created by a single individual, explaining that the group was established after Ortom became governor of Benue State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The G-14 was formed by elders from the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas in an effort to save the party.
Dzever reassured Chief Ortom of the G-14’s full support as the party leader in the state.
He reaffirmed the long-standing tradition that designates the sitting governor as the party leader, or the immediate past governor if the current governor is not a member.
David Amo, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, emphasized that the PDP remains united and Chief Ortom continues to be the party’s leader.
Samuel Utov questioned how anyone could claim to have disbanded the G-14, pointing out that the group was not created by the person making that claim. He emphasized that even Chief Ortom, as the party leader due to his role as the immediate past governor, does not have the authority to dissolve the G-14, stating that only God can do so.
Representing the women, Veronica Gajir, the immediate past chairman of Ushongo Local Government, urged Chief Ortom to rally the party in preparation for reclaiming power in 2027.
Speaking for the youths, Samuel Akough commended Ortom for his leadership of the party and, assuring him of the support of the youths.
Speaking on behalf of Sankera, the pioneer State Youth Leader of the PDP in Benue State, Joseph Nengean appreciated Ortom for the security in the area while he was governor, adding that the security situation in the area has deteriorated and prayed that no weapon fashioned against him shall prosper.
Chief Atsaga Anemba, speaking on behalf of Jechira, reaffirmed Ortom’s leadership of the party, noting that it follows party tradition and is why elders 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 internal crisis.
Ortese Gbegi, the National Ex-officio representing Benue State, praised Ortom for his leadership and the successful conduct of the ward and local government congresses in the state. Speaking on behalf of the 14 elected local government chairmen, Terseer Adigoh, PDP chairman of Katsina-ala, and Paul Tion, PDP chairman of Makurdi, expressed their unwavering loyalty to Ortom and assured him of their continued support as he leads the party in the state.
