Former Benue State governor and PDP leader, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed reports suggesting plans to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, with Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. The denial comes amid speculation fueled by social media claims that a recent meeting of prominent Benue stakeholders was aimed at swapping candidates. Ortom described the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately manufactured to create confusion within the party.
In a statement issued through his media assistant, Zege Terhide, Ortom emphasized that the gathering was not about changing the PDP’s candidate. He clarified that the meeting included himself, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, Chief Aondoakaa, Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh, and Dr Matthias Byuan. These individuals are respected figures in Benue’s political and civic landscape, and their participation was part of broader consultations aimed at building strategic partnerships for the state’s development.
Ortom stressed that no discussion during the meeting touched on replacing Aondoakaa as the PDP’s nominee. “At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda,” he stated clearly. He further noted that such stakeholder engagements are common in democratic processes and should not be interpreted as secret political maneuvers. “It is, therefore, mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it,” he said.
The former governor urged caution against attributing hidden motives to open political consultations. He pointed out that cross-party dialogues and engagements among influential individuals are normal and necessary for inclusive governance. “Political consultations and engagements across party lines are neither strange nor secret conspiracies, particularly when they are driven by the larger interest of the people,” Ortom declared.
He reaffirmed Aondoakaa’s position as the official PDP candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election. “Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Benue State for the 2027 election,” Ortom said. He highlighted Aondoakaa’s experience, competence, and deep understanding of Benue’s challenges, asserting that he is well-equipped to lead on issues like security, economic recovery, and sustainable development.
Ortom warned those spreading the fabricated story to stop creating unnecessary tension. He called on PDP members, Aondoakaa’s supporters, and Benue residents to ignore the rumors and focus on the party’s campaign preparations. Despite the controversy, Ortom expressed confidence that the PDP will continue uniting stakeholders to build a strong coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
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