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Join for News Updates ✕2027: Ortom Reaffirms Southern Presidency, Backs Tinubu, Wike, Akume and Aondoakaa
Tags: 2027 Politics, Benue PDP, Benue Politics, George Akume, Michael Aondoakaa, Samuel Ortom, Southern Presidency, Tinubu, Wike
Former Benue Governor Says His Political Position Remains Consistent
By Our Correspondent
Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has reiterated his commitment to a Southern presidency in 2027 and reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Ortom’s position was contained in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, following an alleged report linking him to a political arrangement in support of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The former governor dismissed the report, saying it was inconsistent with his political position and the principles that guided the G-5 Governors ahead of the 2023 election.
Why Ortom Says Presidency Should Remain in South
Ortom recalled that the G-5 Governors had argued in 2023 that the presidency should move to Southern Nigeria after eight years of Northern leadership under Buhari.
He said the decision was based on equity, fairness, inclusion and national cohesion.
According to him, those principles remain relevant in 2027.
The statement said supporting the return of the presidency to the North only four years after power moved South would contradict the position Ortom and other G-5 members took in 2023.
Support for Tinubu Remains
The former Benue governor also recalled his declaration of support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election in Port Harcourt in 2024.
He said he had not changed his position and believed Tinubu should be supported to consolidate his economic reforms and national development agenda.
Ortom and Wike Still Together
Ortom also reaffirmed his alignment with Nyesom Wike.
According to the statement, both politicians remained united by the principles of equity and justice that informed the G-5 position.
He said no development had occurred to warrant reports that he had abandoned his position or entered an arrangement with Atiku.
Benue Political Consultations
The former governor further explained that meetings among prominent Benue political figures should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of political realignment.
He said such engagements were part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad strategic alliance among Benue stakeholders for the benefit of the state.
Ortom Supports SGF Akume
Ortom also expressed support for Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He described Akume’s position as a significant opportunity for Benue, stressing the need for the state’s people to support him in his national assignment.
Aondoakaa Remains PDP Candidate, Ortom Says
The former governor also reaffirmed that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the PDP governorship candidate in Benue State for 2027.
He described Aondoakaa as a candidate with the experience, competence and character needed to lead Benue.
According to Ortom, Aondoakaa can deploy the state’s increased resources to address infrastructure, economic and development challenges.
The former governor therefore urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.