Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has refuted claims suggesting he plans to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election. Through his media assistant, Paul Zege, Ortom dismissed these reports as fabricated and entirely without foundation.
Zege clarified that Ortom’s dedication to a southern presidency remains firm. He emphasized that the former governor’s stance aligns with the principles held by the G-5 group during the 2023 elections, which advocated for power rotation to ensure national stability and fairness. According to the statement, it would be hypocritical for Ortom to support a northern candidate after championing the shift of power to the South following Muhammadu Buhari’s two terms.
The former governor reaffirmed his public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, which he initially stated in Port Harcourt in 2024. Ortom believes the President deserves support to continue his ongoing economic and developmental reforms. Furthermore, he clarified that his political cooperation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike remains intact.
Regarding local politics, Ortom underscored his commitment to Benue’s interests by supporting SGF Senator George Akume in his national duties, regardless of political party affiliations. He also expressed strong support for Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the PDP’s candidate for the upcoming Benue governorship race, highlighting his competence and capacity. Ortom urged the public to ignore what he termed as deceptive narratives created by political opportunists attempting to sow discord.
