Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Former Governor Samuel Ortom, PhD who is also the leader of the People’s Democratic Party in Benue state has assured party members that the will of the people will prevail in nominating candidates for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections at all levels.
The leader of the Benue State Strategic Partnership stated this when all former appointees and government officials who served under him when he was governor visited him at his Makurdi residence to pledge their total loyalty to him ahead of the next general elections.
In his words, Chief Ortom said that as leader of the PDP in Benue State, he would allow the will of the people to prevail in the choice of candidates for elective positions in the forthcoming elections, while also calling for sustained prayers for leaders at all levels to succeed.
Speaking on the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, Chief Ortom said the law prohibits such participation, warning that the consequences of such actions had previously led to crises, including the Atem Tyo incidents of the 1960s. He therefore urged the Benue State Council of Chiefs to exercise restraint and uphold the law.
The former governor expressed gratitude to the former officials for the show of appreciation and solidarity, describing the visit as deeply encouraging.
Also addressing the crowd, a general Attorney General of the Federation Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, said that although he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he came to express admiration for Chief Ortom’s leadership qualities and courage in governance.
According to him, he is comfortable with Chief Ortom’s leadership style as a result the strong strategic partnership between him and Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He added that the strategic partnership will assist Benue State to produce the best in the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the former officials comprising past members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, former local government elected officials, and political appointees at both state and local government levels, paid Chief Ortom a solidarity visit at his residence in Makurdi. They said the visit was to appreciate him for the opportunity to serve the people of Benue and for the inclusive leadership style he demonstrated throughout his eight-year tenure.
Delivering the solidarity message, former Special Adviser on Rural Development and Cooperatives, Dr. Gideon Adzer Abya said despite the difficult circumstances under which Chief Ortom governed the state, he laid enduring foundations that strengthened institutions, restored confidence in governance, and reaffirmed the dignity of leadership in Benue State.
The former government officials said they were particularly proud of the Benue PDP leader for his bold and principled stance on security issues, especially the enactment and enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.
They noted that Chief Ortom ran a transparent and all inclusive government while placing the safety, dignity, and survival of the people above personal and political interests, despite immense pressure from Abuja.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by Ambassador Chive Kaave (for Zone A), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (for former appointees), Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha (for former House of Assembly members), Dr. Tersoo Loko, Mrs. Laadi Isiegbe (for women), Dr. Laha Dzever (for Zone B), Senator Patrick Abba Moro (representative capacity), and the PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, who was represented by the party’s Deputy State Chairman, Hon. Azua Ashongo.