Ortom Declines APC Membership, Critiques Governor Alia

Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, announced that he will not join the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it would require him to support the current governor, Hyacinth Alia, whom he criticized for poor performance. Ortom, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, affirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu's presidential ambition for 2027 and his support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Titus Uba.

He emphasized that his political decisions are based on individual leaders' performances rather than party loyalty. Ortom praised President Tinubu for his economic and infrastructural reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing projects in Benue, such as the Abuja-Makurdi-9th Mile road and various bridges.

He criticized the Alia administration for failing to pay salaries and pensions, despite increased federal allocations, and urged the state government to account for its resources.