Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has rejected claims that he and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders are planning to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, with Pius Akutah.
Ortom described the report as false and deliberately designed to create confusion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, there is no move by the party’s leadership to alter its governorship ticket, stressing that Aondoakaa remains the PDP’s recognised candidate for the election.
The former governor made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide.
He said the report circulating on social media had misrepresented the purpose of a recent meeting involving several prominent Benue stakeholders.
Ortom explained that the meeting brought together Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, Aondoakaa and other influential figures from the state.
Those present also included Simon Shango, former diplomat and academic Iyorwuese Hagher, Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Matthias Byuan.
He said the gathering was part of broader consultations aimed at bringing key Benue stakeholders together to develop strategies for advancing the interests of the state.
“The meeting was not convened to discuss the replacement of the PDP governorship candidate,” Ortom said.
He maintained that Akutah’s presence at the meeting should not be interpreted as evidence of a plan to substitute him for Aondoakaa.
Ortom further stated that the issue of changing the PDP ticket was neither raised nor discussed during the engagement.
He accused those behind the report of attempting to exploit the consultation for political purposes by attaching a meaning that was never part of the meeting.
“Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election and continues to enjoy the confidence of the party leadership,” he said.
The former governor also expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s ability to provide effective leadership if elected governor.
He cited the candidate’s experience and competence as qualities that could help address some of Benue’s major security and economic challenges.
The controversy comes as political parties and their prospective candidates intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ortom consequently urged PDP members and supporters not to rely on unverified social media reports concerning the party’s internal affairs.
He also called on those responsible for what he described as fabricated information to stop spreading claims capable of causing unnecessary tension.
The former governor maintained that the PDP would remain focused on strengthening its political structure and building a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 Benue governorship contest.