Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom lamented his failed senatorial bid on Friday, describing the “market” as unfavorable during his attempt to secure a seat in the National Assembly’s Red Chamber. He noted that, after handing over power on May 29, 2023, he may return to his farm or pursue other activities. Ortom’s senatorial aspirations were dashed on February 25 when he lost to his former aide, Titus Zam, joining other G5 governors—also known as the Integrity Group—in defeat.
The G5 governors, aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have called for the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and have boycotted the PDP presidential campaigns. While appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ortom was asked how the “market” looked after his loss. He replied, “The market (senatorial bid) for me is not good. This time around, the market is not good but I will be here as Benue governor till May 29, when I will hand over by the grace of God. I will find something else to do; I may go back to my farm, as far as I am concerned.”
Despite his defeat, Ortom took comfort in the G5 governors’ success in ensuring the presidency returned to the South. He explained that the G5 emerged from the fallout of the 2022 PDP primary elections and party convention, advocating for a power shift. “Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, and traditionally the presidency rotates from North to South. It was wrong for the PDP to give the presidency to the North when President Muhammadu Buhari, also from the North, was still in power. We believed this was detrimental to national unity,” he said.
Ortom emphasized his commitment to Nigeria, stating he has no investments outside the country and wants it to remain united. He recalled the Southern governors’ meeting in Asaba, where they agreed the presidency should move to the South after eight years in the North. “I was the first governor in the North to support that view, and I commend the APC governors from the North who later echoed the call for equity, fairness, and justice,” he added.
Regarding his loss, Ortom said it mattered little to him. He referenced a biblical principle: “You shall know the truth and let the truth set you free.” He highlighted unresolved issues of rule of law, equity, and justice in Nigeria, asserting that he withdrew a legal challenge despite evidence of alleged rigging, misuse of federal security, and failure to transmit results electronically as promised by INEC. “I chose peace because the Benue people have been good to me, and I have served them at almost every level. For that, I am grateful to God,” he concluded.
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