The former governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has declared that he will support the emergence of a southern president in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, Ortom insisted that the south must complete an eight-year tenure before power rotates to any other part of the country.
His words: “Let me make it loud and clear that the presidency belongs to the south in 2027. I will not support any candidate from the north in 2027.”
Ortom, who is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), ruled out contesting any elective office in the next election cycle but said he would accept an appointment if it would benefit his people.
“I have also publicly said that I will not contest any election in 2027. But if I am given an appointment, I will serve, provided the position is beneficial to my people,” he stated.
The former governor said he and the PDP do not believe in forming political coalitions but are open to partnerships that can deliver value to Nigerians.
He said, “The PDP is open to strategic partnerships and discussions with those who are ready to come up with solutions that would add value to the people of the country.”
Ortom commended President Bola Tinubu, saying the president is heading in the right direction and that the country needs reforms to rebrand and reposition it for greatness.
He called on the people of Benue to pray for Tinubu, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Hyacinth Alia, the state governor.
He praised Akume for playing a role in the emergence of three Benue governors, Gabriel Suswam, himself, and Alia.
On insecurity, Ortom said the issue should be handled by his successor, but noted that the anti-open grazing law implemented under his administration helped reduce insecurity in the state.
He proposed that citizens be allowed to bear automatic weapons to defend themselves, citing continued attacks by armed herdsmen.