By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has declared that he lacks the authority as leader of the party in the state to dissolve the G-14 group, contrary to claims made by Senator Gabriel Suswam and other disgruntled members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Ortom made this declaration while receiving G-14 and other party members from 14 local government areas of Tiv extraction who paid him a courtesy visit at his Makurdi residence.
Ortom emphasized that the G-14, comprising elders who are united to promote peace and provide direction within the party, is not a party creation, stressing that as such, neither the party constitution nor he, as leader, has the power to regulate its activities not to talk of dissolution.
He assured the group that the PDP in Benue State has benefited from their efforts to maintain peace and pledged to continue supporting them.
Ortom called on disgruntled members to resolve differences through internal party mechanisms, rather than causing division.
He also announced at the gathering that he won’t contest any political office in 2027, citing satisfaction with God’s blessings.
The former governor warned detractors against intimidation, emphasizing his commitment to equity, fairness, and justice.
Representatives of Kwande, Elders Atsaga Anemba; Sankera, Joseph Nengean; Jemgbagh, Laha Dzever; Minda, Jerome Uyina and the youth, Samuel Akough; all reaffirmed their support for Ortom’s leadership, acknowledging his contributions to the party.
They assured him that the 14 local government areas of Tiv extraction and Benue youths firmly back his leadership, recognizing the PDP’s sole authentic secretariat and leadership under Ortom.