Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode, mni, has publicly dismissed circulating rumour on social media suggesting he might be replaced as deputy governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to journalists on Friday at the funeral of late Mama Elizabeth Apochi in Owukpa community, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Dr. Ode, who represented the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, emphasised that such claims are unfounded and intended to sow confusion among the people of Benue South Senatorial District.
“I want to make it clear that these rumours are baseless and should be disregarded,” Dr. Ode stated. He further clarified that there is no truth to the speculation that Governor Alia is considering replacing him with Hon. Ojotu Ojema, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, or with any other individual.
The deputy governor also called for respect towards traditional institutions, specifically urging social media users and political actors to “leave the revered royal throne of the Idoma nation’s paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, out of political machinations.”
He urged the people of Benue South and political stakeholders to focus on the ongoing development initiatives of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and to avoid distractions from falsehoods that threaten the peace and unity of the zone.
Barr. Ode also warned those attempting to sow discord among political actors in Idoma land. “I urge everyone to desist from acts that seek to divide us. Our unity is our strength,” he said.
Furthermore, he clarified his personal relationship with Hon. Ojotu Ojema, emphasising his longstanding relationship with the Ojotu family and the mutual respect he enjoys with the Honourable Member representing the good people of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.
The deputy governor noted that if Hon. Ojotu Ojema is contemplating a switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he would be warmly welcomed into the party. He stressed that Benue South is predominantly controlled by the APC, and presently, Hon. Ojema is the only House of Representatives member from the zone who is not a member of the party, adding, his inclusion would further bolster the party’s presence in the area.
Finally, Dr Sam Ode advised politicians to always put their trust in God Almighty through Jesus Christ, emphasising that faith remains the ultimate guarantee for a stable mind and a secure future.
He also called on the good people of Benue South Senatorial District and particularly the people of Ogbadibo to take advantage of the INEC continous voters registration exercise to update their voters’ status to ensure they are not disenfranchised in the next elections.
The deputy governor’s comments come at a crucial time, effectively quelling a wave of social media speculation about potential political shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.