Former Benue Governor and PDP state leader, Chief Samuel Ortom, has officially rejected claims suggesting he is working to replace the party’s 2027 gubernatorial candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN. Reports had alleged that Aondoakaa was being swapped for Dr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Speaking through his media aide, Zege Terhide, Ortom labeled these social media reports as deceptive. He clarified that a recent gathering attended by himself, Senator Abba Moro, Aondoakaa, and other prominent figures like Chief Simon Shango and Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher was merely a strategic meeting intended to foster unity among Benue stakeholders. He insisted that the topic of replacing Aondoakaa was never brought up or considered.
Ortom emphasized that routine political consultations should not be misconstrued as secretive plots. He reiterated his support for Aondoakaa, confirming that the former Attorney-General remains the party’s official choice for the 2027 election. The former governor praised Aondoakaa’s experience and capability to address Benue’s security and economic issues, urging the public to ignore manufactured rumors aimed at causing division within the party.
