“I will respect God’s wish, he has told me not to contest election in 2027” — Ortom

The immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has revealed that a divine message instructing him not to run for any political office in 2027 has shaped his decision to step back from electoral politics.

Ortom made the announcement on Tuesday in Makurdi during a courtesy visit by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) G-14 group, a forum of PDP elders from the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas of the state.

Ortom, who served two terms as governor, emphasized his commitment to honoring what he believes is God’s guidance.
“I have no choice but to respect God’s wish. Faith and obedience are critical in my decision-making, and this is what I have been told,” Ortom said.

Reflecting on his defeat in the 2023 elections, the former governor admitted that he failed to seek divine counsel before contesting.

“I didn’t consult God. My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without seeking His guidance. That is why I lost,” he confessed, adding that God has since revealed the path he should take—one of patience and waiting for further direction.

Despite stepping away from contesting in future elections, Ortom reaffirmed his dedication to the PDP’s success. He pledged his continued support for the party’s mission to reclaim the Benue Government House in 2027. “I may not be contesting, but the PDP remains strong and focused on taking back power in 2027,” he stated.

Ortom also reflected on the personal sacrifices he made during his tenure as governor, saying that at times he had to distance himself from family and friends to focus on governance.

Now, however, he expressed a desire for rest, noting that he had initially considered taking a sabbatical after leaving office, but the PDP elders objected to the idea.

As leader of the PDP in Benue, Ortom acknowledged the importance of the G-14 group and emphasised that its existence could not be dissolved, not even by him.

“Nobody, including myself, has the power to disband the G-14 group. It is a vital forum of PDP elders in the state, and I must always be informed of any major developments,” he said.

Ortom also spoke about the upcoming PDP congresses in Benue, revealing that the national secretariat had approved ward and local government congresses, while the state congress would take place on October 3.

He confirmed that he had discussed the need for unity and consensus with fellow PDP leaders, Senators Gabriel Suswam and Abba Moro, as the party seeks to strengthen its position as an opposition force.

Dr. Laha Dzever, Chairman of the PDP G-14, reiterated the group’s support for Ortom’s leadership, emphasizing the group’s commitment to party unity.

“We have come to reaffirm our loyalty and support for Chief Ortom. Internal disagreements in politics are natural, but they only make us stronger,” Dzever stated.

Dzever also addressed recent speculations about the possible dissolution of the G-14, insisting that the group, formed in 2015 to maintain the party’s cohesion after election losses, could only be dissolved by Ortom, its leader.

“Only Chief Ortom, who formed this group, has the power to disband it, and we stand firmly behind him,” he concluded.

NAN