Ortom denies plan to replace Benue PDP gov candidate

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has refuted claims circulating on social media that he intends to replace the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, for the upcoming 2027 election. Ortom clarified that a recent meeting involving various political stakeholders was aimed at building a strategic alliance for the state's benefit.

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The meeting was part of ongoing consultations and engagements aimed at building a broad strategic alliance of Benue stakeholders for the greater good of the state.

The report alleged that Ortom and other PDP leaders met with All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains to replace Aondoakaa with Dr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Ortom dismissed this as false, explaining that the meeting included prominent Benue figures such as Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, PDP governorship candidate Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Engr. Emmanuel Ameh, and Dr. Matthias Byuan.

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At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda.

"The meeting was part of ongoing consultations and engagements aimed at building a broad strategic alliance of Benue stakeholders for the greater good of the state," Ortom stated through his media aide, Zege Terhide. He emphasized that the replacement of Aondoakaa was never discussed, contemplated, or placed on the agenda during the gathering. Ortom stressed that cross-party consultations are common and not indicative of secret conspiracies, especially when driven by the public interest.

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remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in the state for the 2027 election and added that the former Attorney General enjoys the confidence and support of the leadership and members of the party.

Ortom reaffirmed that Aondoakaa remains the "duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in the state for the 2027 election" and enjoys the full confidence and support of the party's leadership and members. He expressed conviction in Aondoakaa's capacity to lead Benue State toward security, economic recovery, and sustainable development. The former governor urged PDP members and supporters to disregard the misinformation and remain focused on building a formidable coalition for the 2027 elections.

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no amount of misinformation would distract the PDP leadership from its commitment to building a formidable coalition of Benue people towards offering the state a credible alternative in 2027.