Ortom denies plot to replace Benue PDP candidate

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has firmly denied reports that he and other Peoples Democratic Party leaders are plotting to replace the party's 2027 governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa. Ortom dismissed the claims circulating on social media as false and misleading, stating they distorted the purpose of a recent meeting of prominent Benue stakeholders.

In a statement issued by his media assistant, Ortom clarified that the gathering included himself, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Aondoakaa, and other notable Benue indigenes such as Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh, and Dr. Matthias Byuan. He described the meeting as part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad strategic alliance for the state's overall interest. Ortom explicitly stated that replacing Aondoakaa was never discussed.

"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 characterized attempts to assign a different motive to the meeting as mischievous, arguing that political consultations across party lines are a normal part of the...