Former Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed as false and mischievous a report alleging a secret plot to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN).
In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, Ortom described the report—circulating widely on social media—as a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension within the PDP.
The report had claimed that Ortom, alongside other party leaders, held a clandestine meeting with chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to substitute Aondoakaa with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, as the PDP’s governorship flagbearer for the 2027 election.
However, Ortom clarified that the meeting in question was neither secret nor conspiratorial, but part of ongoing consultations involving key Benue stakeholders across political divides.
According to him, the engagement was geared towards fostering unity and building a broad-based alliance in the overall interest of the state.
He explained that the meeting was attended by notable figures, including Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro; the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Aondoakaa; Chief Simon Shango; Professor Iyorwuese Hagher; Dr. Pius Akutah; Engr. Emmanuel Ameh; and Dr. Matthias Byuan.
“At no time during the meeting was the issue of replacing Chief Aondoakaa discussed, contemplated, or even suggested,” the statement stressed, describing claims to the contrary as baseless and politically motivated.
Ortom maintained that political consultations across party lines are not unusual and should not be misconstrued as secret plots, particularly when they are driven by the need to advance the collective good of the people.
Reaffirming the party’s position, the former governor stated unequivocally that Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Benue State for the 2027 election, adding that he continues to enjoy the full confidence and backing of the party’s leadership and members.
He further expressed strong belief in Aondoakaa’s capacity to lead the state, citing his experience, competence and deep understanding of the challenges confronting Benue.
Ortom noted that the former Attorney General of the Federation is well-positioned to steer the state towards improved security, economic recovery and sustainable development.
The PDP leader also cautioned those behind the alleged false report to desist from spreading misinformation capable of sowing discord within the party and misleading the public.
He emphasized that political discourse and journalism must be anchored on facts rather than conjecture or deliberate falsehood, warning against the attribution of ulterior motives to legitimate engagements.
Ortom urged PDP members, supporters of Aondoakaa and the people of Benue State to disregard the report and remain focused on the party’s broader objective of building a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He added that no amount of misinformation or political mischief would distract the PDP leadership from its commitment to offering a credible alternative for governance in the state.
The statement comes amid heightened political activities in Benue State as parties begin early alignments and consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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