Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has firmly denied reports that he is planning to contest for the Benue North-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general election. The denial comes amid growing speculation on social media platforms, where unverified claims suggested Ortom was preparing for a political comeback. In a statement released on Saturday in Makurdi, Ortom, through his media aide Terver Akase, emphasized that he has no intention to seek any elective office in the upcoming election cycle. He described the rumors as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.
Ortom stressed that his focus remains on promoting democratic values and strengthening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State and across Nigeria. He reiterated that his role in politics is now centered on providing leadership guidance and mentoring younger politicians rather than vying for office. “I have no intention whatsoever to contest any elective office in 2027,” Ortom stated. “I have said this clearly, publicly, and repeatedly. I expect that a position stated this plainly would not require translation or creative reinterpretation.”
This is not the first time Ortom has had to address false political rumors. Recently, he also dismissed claims that he had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In another statement issued by Akase, Ortom called the defection reports “false, mischievous, and politically motivated.” He accused political opponents of spreading the rumors out of frustration over his continued influence in Benue politics. The statement further noted that the claims were so absurd that some individuals even forged an APC membership card bearing Ortom’s name and circulated it online to give the false narrative credibility.
Ortom’s repeated denials highlight the increasing use of misinformation in Nigerian politics, especially during election periods. Social media has become a key battleground for political narratives, and figures like Ortom often become targets of fabricated stories aimed at undermining their credibility. Despite these challenges, Ortom remains a prominent figure in Benue’s political landscape, known for his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 and his active role in party affairs.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Ortom’s stance sends a clear message: he will not be drawn into the race for elective office. Instead, he plans to continue working behind the scenes to support democratic processes and party development. His position may influence party dynamics in Benue and could shape the selection of candidates for key positions in the next election cycle. The political landscape in Benue will likely remain closely watched as stakeholders navigate the coming electoral season.
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