PDP Crisis: Drama as ‘Petitioner’ disowns document before disciplinary panel

Controversy erupts during the sitting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, as a key figure allegedly involved in a petition against former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, publicly disowned the document.

The hearing, chaired by Chief Tom Ikimi, quickly turned chaotic when it was revealed that one of the individuals named as a petitioner denied both writing and consenting to the petition.

The debate began when Samuel Ortom’s legal team, led by C.T Mue, appeared before the panel to represent their client.

To their shock, the person who was supposed to be part of the group responsible for the petition against Ortom disclaimed any involvement in the document.

The petition, originally filed on September 30, 2024, accused Ortom of unspecified wrongdoing. However, the disavowal cast doubt on the legitimacy of the claims against the former governor.

Mue brought the development to the attention of the committee, referencing the PDP’s constitution, specifically Sections 57(1) and 57(6), which dictate the procedures for handling party discipline. 

According to these sections, any petition filed against a member should be communicated to the accused for an opportunity to defend themselves.

Since one of the petitioners had renounced their involvement, Mue argued that the procedure had not been properly followed, rendering the petition invalid.