The immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, has publicly announced that he has received a divine message instructing him not to run for any election in 2027. This declaration came during a courtesy visit from members of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) G-14 in Makurdi on Tuesday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the G-14 members are esteemed elders within the PDP representing the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas of Benue. Ortom emphasized that he felt compelled to honor what he perceives as God's wish, highlighting the significance of faith and obedience in his decision-making process. He expressed his commitment to following the divine guidance he has received concerning his political future, stating that he believes he must prioritize this spiritual direction above personal ambition.
Reflecting on his previous political experience, Ortom admitted that he failed to seek God's counsel before participating in the 2023 election, which he believes led to his defeat. “I’m not contesting the 2027 election. I knew why I lost the election in 2023. I didn’t consult God. My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without consulting God,” he stated, indicating a desire to align more closely with his faith moving forward. “God has revealed everything to me. He has asked me to wait for him,” he added, conveying a sense of acceptance regarding his political trajectory.
During his tenure as governor, Ortom shared that he made considerable sacrifices, which included prioritizing state matters over personal relationships with family and friends. He pledged to continue his support for the PDP, emphasizing that no individual ambition should overshadow the party's interests. Ortom noted that after leaving office, he had contemplated taking a sabbatical; however, the party elders opposed this decision, indicating his continued importance in the political landscape of the state.
Addressing the internal dynamics of the PDP, Ortom asserted that no one has the authority to disband the revered PDP G-14 group, not even himself, as the leader of the party. “As a leader of the party in the state, I lack the powers to dissolve the group. So nobody can disband this group,” he stated firmly. He reinforced the idea that G-14 serves as the elders' forum within the PDP in Benue, and any significant changes would need his awareness and approval as the party leader. “If anything must happen, I must know first because I am the leader,” he clarified.
Regarding the upcoming party congresses, Ortom mentioned that the national secretariat has already approved the ward and local government congresses in Benue, with the state congress scheduled for October 3rd. He highlighted his discussions with Sen. Gabriel Suswam and Sen. Abba Moro, both of whom agreed to promote consensus-building within the party as they navigate their opposition status.
Dr. Laha Dzever, the Chairman of PDP G-14, expressed full support for Ortom’s leadership, affirming their commitment to work towards the peace and unity of the party. He acknowledged that while occasional disagreements are inherent in politics, the current internal conflicts within the party could ultimately strengthen it. Dzever commended Ortom for his tireless efforts to maintain the PDP as a major, united political force in the state.
Addressing concerns regarding the purported dissolution of the group, Dzever noted that the G-14 was formed in 2015 to ensure the party's survival following electoral setbacks. “The only person that can disband us is the leader of the party in the state, and that is Chief Ortom. You alone can only disband what you have formed,” he concluded, emphasizing the group's established role within the PDP structure.[/p>
NAN