Former Benue State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in the state, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed reports that he and other senior party members are planning to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah.
Ortom described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, saying they misrepresented the purpose of a recent meeting involving prominent Benue stakeholders.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Zege Terhide, the former governor said the report was a “mischievous” distortion of the discussions at the meeting.
He explained that the gathering included himself, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Aondoakaa and other notable Benue indigenes, including Simon Shango, Iyorwuese Hagher, Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Matthias Byuan.
According to Ortom, the meeting was part of wider consultations aimed at developing strategic partnerships in the interest of Benue State.
He categorically stated that the issue of replacing Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate was neither discussed nor considered at the meeting.
Ortom maintained that political consultations among stakeholders are a normal part of the democratic process and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a secret political arrangement.
He reaffirmed that Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated PDP candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election and enjoys the confidence and support of the party’s leadership and members across the state.
The former governor expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s ability to provide effective leadership, citing his experience and understanding of the challenges facing Benue, particularly in the areas of security, economic recovery and sustainable development.
Ortom urged PDP members, Aondoakaa’s supporters and residents of the state to disregard the alleged replacement story and focus on preparations for the 2027 election.
He also cautioned political commentators and journalists against spreading unverified claims, urging them to base their reports on facts rather than speculation or fabricated motives.
