2027: Ortom debunks plot to replace Aondoakaa as Benue PDP guber candidate
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has rejected claims that he and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are considering replacing the party’s 2027 gubernatorial candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, with Dr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
In a statement released by his Media Assistant, Zege Terhide, Ortom termed the circulating reports on social media as “false” and “misleading.” He described the claims as a distorting take on a recent meeting that included key stakeholders from Benue State.
Ortom clarified that the meeting featured discussions among himself, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Aondoakaa, and other Benue prominent figures such as Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh, and Dr. Matthias Byuan. The purpose, he stated, was to facilitate ongoing consultations aimed at fostering strategic alliances among Benue stakeholders for the benefit of the state.
“At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated, or placed on the agenda,” Ortom affirmed.
He criticized what he called a “mischievous” reinterpretation of the meeting, emphasizing that political consultations across party lines are a standard practice in a democratic society. “It is therefore mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it,” Ortom said.
The former governor further declared that such consultations should not be misconstrued as secret conspiracies. He reiterated, “Political consultations and engagements across party lines are neither strange nor secret conspiracies, particularly when they are driven by the larger interest of the people.”
Ortom firmly asserted that Aondoakaa remains the PDP’s officially nominated candidate for the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election. “Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Benue State for the 2027 election,” he stated, adding that Aondoakaa has the support and confidence of PDP leadership and members throughout the state.
He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s leadership abilities, citing his experience, competence, and understanding of the challenges facing Benue. Ortom believes Aondoakaa has the capacity to reposition the state and lead effectively in areas such as security, economic recovery, and sustainable development.
Ortom also urged those spreading rumors about the potential candidate change to cease their activities, describing them as harmful fabrications that could create confusion among PDP supporters. He noted, “Political journalism and commentary must be anchored on facts, not conjecture or deliberate falsehood.”
He called on PDP members, Aondoakaa’s supporters, and the people of Benue to disregard the rumors and concentrate on the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections. Ortom emphasized that such misinformation will not deter the PDP leadership from building a strong coalition to provide a credible alternative for the state in 2027.
