Former Benue State governor and Peoples Democratic Party leader Chief Samuel Ortom has dismissed reports suggesting he and other senior party members are considering replacing the PDP’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, with Nigerian Shippers’ Council Executive Secretary Dr Pius Akutah.
In a statement issued through his media assistant, Zege Terhide, Ortom described the social media reports as false and misleading, calling them a “mischievous” distortion of a recent meeting among prominent Benue stakeholders.
The gathering included Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, Aondoakaa himself, Chief Simon Shango, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Dr Matthias Byuan. Ortom said the meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at building a strategic partnership to serve Benue State’s interests.
“At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda,” Ortom said.
He emphasised that political consultations among stakeholders are a normal part of the democratic process and should not be portrayed as secret arrangements. “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,” he stated.
Ortom confirmed that Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election and continues to enjoy the confidence of party leadership and members across the state. He highlighted Aondoakaa’s experience, competence and understanding of Benue’s challenges, expressing optimism about his capacity to provide effective leadership in security, economic recovery and sustainable development.
The former governor warned those behind the replacement narrative to stop circulating fabricated claims capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party. “Political journalism and commentary must be anchored on facts, not conjecture, deliberate falsehood or the attribution of imaginary motives to legitimate engagements,” he cautioned.
Ortom urged PDP members, Aondoakaa’s supporters and Benue residents to disregard the reports and focus on the party’s preparations for the 2027 Elections, maintaining that the controversy would not derail efforts to unite stakeholders and build a strong coalition ahead of the polls.
