Former Governor Samuel Ortom has announced that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State is willing to form strategic alliances with other political parties to challenge and remove the current Governor, Hyacinth Alia, in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during a gathering of over 1,300 former appointees from his administration in Makurdi, Ortom emphasized the need for inclusiveness and shared interests in politics. He stated that such partnerships would allow parties to unite against a common opponent without anyone leaving their original party.“I am not leaving the PDP, but I can do a strategic partnership,” Ortom said.
“I am not going to contest any election in 2027, but I have followers, and I want them to realise their aspirations.” He described the approach as relying on divine guidance and collaboration, adding, “Strategic partnership is about looking unto God and allowing Him to decide who leads us. We want to see how we can come together and confront a common front. Politics is about inclusiveness and interest.”
Ortom highlighted his own political history, having won the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 before defecting to the PDP and securing re-election in 2019, as evidence that cross-party cooperation is feasible in Benue.
The former governor criticized the current situation in the state as “not right” and called for adherence to the rule of law in the upcoming elections. “Do not worry about what is happening in the APC; it is God’s design. The PDP will not die.
We do not need chaos to take over governance in Benue. Nobody will be allowed to rig the 2027 election. The law must be respected,” he urged.Ortom also apologized for his role in the 2023 PDP governorship primary, where he admitted to imposing a candidate (Titus Uba) on the party despite others, including Paul Angya, Terkaa Ucha, and Dennis Tyavyar, performing strongly in a mock primary.
He expressed regret over the decision, which he linked to his health issues at the time and significant financial costs.Additionally, he condemned the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, stating it violates the law and that they should remain neutral toward all parties and aspirants.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments in Benue, including speculation about potential understandings involving figures like Senator George Akume, whom Ortom described as the leader of Benue politics and with whom he has accepted a “give-and-take” dynamic.
The PDP's openness to alliances signals an early push to consolidate opposition against Governor Alia's administration ahead of 2027, as political activities intensify across Nigeria. No specific parties for potential partnerships were named, and the focus remains on building a united front through strategic cooperation.
Further developments are anticipated as the election cycle progresses.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com