2027: ‘I don’t regret expressing my support for Tinubu’ — Ortom
Ortom Expresses Unwavering Support for Tinubu in 2027 Presidential Election
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom reaffirmed his endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, expressing no regrets about his decision.
In an interview with ARISE News, Ortom addressed the current political landscape in Benue State, the forthcoming elections, and his relationship with the state’s incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia.
Ortom emphasized that his backing for Tinubu stemmed from a strategic political decision made after Nigerians voted for the former Lagos State governor in the 2023 presidential election. He highlighted his prior support for Peter Obi but changed his stance following Tinubu’s successful bid for the presidency.
“My statement stands,” Ortom remarked. “I have no regret making that statement, that in 2027 some of us will support Tinubu to win.” He publicly aligned himself with Tinubu after Nyesom Wike, a former colleague from the G5 group, was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The former governor reiterated his commitment to working alongside Wike and his supporters in Benue to secure Tinubu’s re-election, stating, “If you can’t beat them, you join them.”
On the topic of the 2027 Benue governorship race, Ortom criticized Governor Alia’s administration for what he described as failures to uphold the rule of law and for targeting political adversaries. He also alleged that local government autonomy had not been implemented in the state and noted a lack of engagement with stakeholders across party lines since Alia took office.
Ortom accused the governor of not returning 23 government vehicles, despite a court directive for their return, asserting that these vehicles had been appropriately allocated to him and other former officials at the end of their terms.
He also shared that he had attempted to foster a relationship with Alia after the 2023 election, offering advice and assistance to the new administration. However, he claimed that the governor had not responded to his outreach efforts.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ortom stated that voters in Benue would have the opportunity to assess Alia’s performance. He confirmed his support for candidates in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly, while also endorsing Tinubu for president.
