Ortom Explains Vehicle Loan to Obi During Benue Visit

Samuel Ortom, the immediate past governor of Benue State, provided his vehicle to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, during Obi's visit to the state on Tuesday. Ortom, through his media aide Terver Akase, stated that it would have been petty to refuse assistance to Obi, who is a former governor and a prominent political figure.

Ortom responded to accusations from current Governor Hyacinth Alia, who claimed Ortom facilitated Obi's visit while alleging that Ortom was secretly supporting Obi despite publicly backing President Bola Tinubu. Ortom described the allegations as laughable and emphasized that extending hospitality across political lines should be commended, not vilified.

He also noted that refusing to assist Obi during a humanitarian mission would have been seen as inhospitable. The visit was intended for Obi to offer condolences to families of victims of a massacre in June 2025, but his convoy was blocked by youths near Gyado Villa.