Ortom Denies Plans to Replace Benue PDP Candidate Aondoakaa

On Friday, Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, issued a statement through his media aide, Zege Terhide, denying reports that he intended to replace the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, for the 2027 election. The rumors suggested that Ortom and other party leaders were in secret talks with chieftains of the All Progressives Congress to substitute Aondoakaa with Dr.

Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Ortom clarified that the meeting with various prominent Benue stakeholders, including Senator Abba Moro and Chief Michael Aondoakaa, was focused on building a strategic alliance for the state's benefit and did not include discussions about Aondoakaa's candidacy.

He reaffirmed Aondoakaa's status as the PDP's nominated candidate and expressed confidence in his leadership capabilities. Ortom urged party members and supporters to disregard the misinformation and remain focused on their goals for the upcoming election.