The former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is open to forging strategic political partnerships with other parties ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state. Ortom made the remarks on Sunday during an event at his residence in Makurdi, where he hosted more than 1,300 appointees who served under his administration.
Addressing party stalwarts and supporters, Ortom said the consideration of alliances was aimed at fostering inclusiveness and consolidating efforts against a common political opponent. He emphasised that such arrangements are grounded in shared interests and a collective desire to rebuild the PDP’s strength in Benue.
“Strategic partnership is about looking unto God and allowing Him to decide who leads us in whatever position. We want to see how we can come together and confront a common front. Politics is about inclusiveness and interest. At the end, we will sit together and see what to do,” Ortom said, underscoring his belief that collaborative engagement could be an effective strategy for the PDP in the coming election.
Ortom, who made history by winning the governorship under two different party platforms, first with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 and later with the PDP in 2019, clarified that his intention was not to defect but to strengthen political coalitions that serve the broader interests of the people.
“I am not leaving PDP, but we can do strategic partnership. I’m not going to contest any election in 2027, but I have followers, so I want them to achieve their aspirations,” he added, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP while opening the door for alliance discussions.
Reflecting on past electoral shortcomings, Ortom publicly acknowledged that he erred in influencing the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate selection. He admitted that imposing the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba, as the PDP candidate was a mistake that negatively affected the party’s fortunes.
“In 2023, the mistake I made was to impose a governorship candidate on the party. Eighteen members of the assembly asked me to give the then speaker Titus Uba without consulting God. I apologise to those who emerged ahead of him…” he said, expressing regret to other aspirants who were overlooked.
Ortom also criticised the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics, warning that such engagements could be challenged legally. “This is wrong, and we will go to court because the law prohibits them from partisan politics. They should embrace all the political parties and their aspirants,” he argued.
Ortom’s comments come amid growing debates within Benue’s political circles over the 2027 governorship contest, including zoning considerations and party unity. Stakeholders in Benue have recently urged the PDP to uphold zoning principles that promote inclusion and stability as aspirants jostle for the party’s ticket in a tightly watched political landscape.
With the PDP exploring collaborative pathways and Ortom positioning himself as a facilitator for broader alliances, the 2027 election is shaping up to be a strategically complex contest. The former governor’s appeal for unity and political cooperation reflects deeper undercurrents in the state’s party dynamics as locals and party loyalists prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested campaign season.
