Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed speculations of dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Naija News reports that Ortom, while hosting members of the PDP G-14 and other key stakeholders from the 14 Local Government Areas, LGAs, in Zones A and B Senatorial Districts of the state during the weekend, in Makurdi, the state capital, reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the party to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
Ortom said the alleged plans to defect from the PDP were being sponsored by “mischief makers”, expressing the confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 polls.
He called on stakeholders to remain steadfast in rebuilding the party in the state, noting that although he would not be contesting any position, he would give full support to PDP candidates at all levels.
The former governor also advised aspirants to engage in broad consultations and not be discouraged by ongoing defections to the ruling party.
He said, “I’m not planning to leave PDP. I remain loyal and together with commitment and dedication, we shall reclaim Benue come 2027.”
Meanwhile, Ortom recently accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of attacking him rather than providing facts and figures regarding the state’s finances and a recently approved ₦100 billion loan.
Naija News reports that in a statement through his Media Adviser, Terver Akase, on Sunday, Ortom described Alia’s recent comments against him as “baseless and diversionary,” stating they were aimed at evading scrutiny over the government’s financial dealings.
Akase said rather than respond to legitimate concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the loan approval, the Alia administration has resorted to attacking Ortom.
He further questioned how Alia’s administration has managed the huge revenues that have accrued to the state since May 2023, particularly amid reports of contract awards “without due process or budgetary provisions.”
