Ortom Breaks Silence On Alleged Plot To Replace PDP Governorship Candidate

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed reports that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are planning to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah.

Ortom, through his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, described the report as mischievous, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the facts.

He explained that the meeting cited in the report was attended by himself, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, Aondoakaa and several prominent Benue stakeholders, including Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Dr Matthias Byuan.

According to Ortom, the meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at building a strategic alliance among Benue stakeholders in the interest of the state.

He stressed that the meeting had nothing to do with replacing the PDP’s governorship candidate, adding that the issue was neither raised nor discussed.

Ortom said claims that the meeting was held to consider a change in the party’s ticket were politically motivated and intended to mislead the public.

The former governor reaffirmed that Aondoakaa remains the PDP’s duly nominated candidate for the 2027 governorship election and enjoys the confidence and support of the party’s leadership.

He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s experience and ability to address Benue’s security and economic challenges if elected.

Ortom also warned those behind what he described as fabricated reports to stop spreading misinformation capable of creating confusion among PDP members and the wider public.

He urged party members, supporters and residents of Benue State to disregard the report, maintaining that misinformation would not derail efforts to build a strong political coalition ahead of the 2027 election.