WorldStage– Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid during a recent television interview.
Ortom spoke on Arise Television about his political plans, stating that he has no regrets about backing the administration.
Ortom supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election and later changed his stance after Tinubu won, saying he adopted a pragmatic approach of “If you can’t beat them, you join them.”
acknowledged voting for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election but said his stance changed once Tinubu was inaugurated as president.
“In 2023, I supported Obi. When Nigerians spoke and President Tinubu was president, I said, ‘If you can’t beat them, you join them.’ I want to assure you that I remain committed with our national leader, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that I, Samuel Ortom, and my people here in Benue State, as far as we are concerned, we’re working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ortom said the timing of his public declaration coincided with Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister, and that he continues to align himself with the former Rivers state governor and the movement around him in Benue.
Beyond presidential politics, Ortom used the interview to raise a string of concerns about the administration of Governor Alia, his successor in Benue.
He accused the governor of undermining the rule of law, targeting political opponents, and failing to implement local government autonomy in the state.
Alongside his presidential endorsement, Ortom said he’s focused on upcoming local elections in Benue State.
He voiced strong criticisms against his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing the current state government of ignoring court judgments and targeting political opponents.
He claimed that increased federal funds from fuel subsidy removals have not brought visible growth outside the capital city of Makurdi.
Ortom backed former Attorney-General Michael Aondoakaa as his preferred choice for the Benue State governorship in 2027.
Ortom’s announcement highlights shifting loyalties within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Several former governors from the party continue to signal alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Political analysts view these early realignments as a significant factor in shaping the race for the 2027 general elections.
