Ortom denies replacing Aondoakaa as Benue PDP guber candidate

Samuel Ortom, Benue State's immediate past governor, has rejected allegations circulating on social media that he intends to remove Michael Aondoakaa from his position as the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate. Ortom made the clarification through a statement released Friday by his media assistant, describing the reports as inaccurate and deliberately misleading.

Ortom explained that a recent gathering involving himself, Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro, Aondoakaa, and several other prominent Benue stakeholders—including Chief Simon Shango, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, and others—was designed to foster cooperation among political figures and community leaders. He stated that these consultations focused on creating a unified strategic approach ahead of the 2027 election cycle, not on altering the party's candidate slate.

In his response, Ortom voiced confidence in Aondoakaa's credentials for the position, citing the lawyer's experience, professional competence, and grasp of the issues facing Benue residents. The former governor's reaffirmation of backing for the senior advocate underscores the significance of maintaining internal party unity during the election preparation phase.

The denial marks an attempt to quell speculation about potential divisions within Benue's PDP leadership as the state prepares for its next electoral cycle. Ortom's clarification confirmed that Aondoakaa remains the party's chosen candidate and that ongoing consultations among stakeholders are geared toward broadening coalition-building rather than candidate substitution.