2027: Ortom aligns with push for southern leadership

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has announced his support for a southern president ahead of the 2027 General elections.

Ortom in a media interaction on Thursday emphasised that the southern region must be allowed to complete its eight year term.

“Till today, I, Ortom, believe in southern presidency, even if my party (PDP) is producing a candidate for presidency in 2027, the candidate must be from the South. South should be allowed to complete eight years. So, for me, I am not supporting a northern candidate,” he said.

Ortom who is a chieftain of the PDP and a board member, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms.

“Tinubu administration is doing well; he is ensuring that the rule of law prevails, and this is good for our country. The oil industry had been a place where a few cliques siphoned our common wealth. With the removal of subsidies, there is a lot of money in all the states. The president even stated this during his visit to Benue at the height of the killing of our people in Yelwata. He said that no state would say it doesn’t have money to pay salaries,” Ortom stated.

The ex-governor also stated that he is not a part of the newly formed coalition. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party.

“I remain a member and leader of Peoples Democratic Party. And I am even a board member of my party. I don’t believe in coalition but where there’s need for strategic partnership, you will see me there,” he said.